The Jigawa State Government has commenced the distribution of maternity kits to pregnant women in a bid to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates across the state.
Speaking during the distribution of the maternity kits on Monday at Sule Tankarkar Local Government Area, the First Lady of Jigawa State, Hadiza Namadi, said Governor Umar Namadi approved the distribution to provide essential healthcare support to pregnant women.
“The kits will help pregnant women protect themselves from infections during childbirth and postpartum care,” she said, adding that “the kits also will go a long way in ensuring the health and well-being of our mothers.”
Accordingly, the Jigawa First Lady emphasised the importance of healthcare, saying, “Every mother matters, and we must do everything to ensure their safety.”
Mrs. Namadi commended the Chairman of Sule Tankarkar Local Government, Tasiu Adamu, for building a Basic Health Clinic in Sule Tankarkar and naming it after the governor.
“We’re committed to ensuring zero maternal mortality, and this initiative is a step in the right direction,” she added.
She also called on healthcare providers to ensure the delivery of quality care to pregnant women and reiterated that “the state government is committed to ensuring zero maternal mortality across Jigawa’s 27 LGAs.”
In his address, the Emir of Gumel, Dr. Ahmed Muhammad Sani, represented by the District Head of Jeke, Muhammad Sani Ibrahim, urged beneficiaries to make good use of the kits.
He said, “This is a noble initiative, and we appreciate the state government for thinking of us.”
Moreover, the emir’s representative praised the state government for the initiative, saying that “this initiative is aimed at safeguarding the health of our women and children.”
He further emphasised the importance of prenatal care, saying, “Pregnant women should ensure they attend antenatal clinics and follow medical advice to ensure safe delivery. This will go a long way in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in our state.”
On his part, the Chairman of Sule Tankarkar Local Government, Adamu, said about 200 pregnant women would benefit from the kits, selected from 11 wards.
“We have spent over 100 million naira on healthcare initiatives last year, including sending students to study healthcare in various institutions,” he said.
Adamu also inaugurated a Tsangaya School and named it Hajiya Hadiza Umar Namadi during the ceremony.
Some beneficiaries who spoke exclusively with our correspondent shared varied experiences and expressions of gratitude.
While some said the kits would help ease the financial burden of prenatal care, others praised the state government for its commitment to improving maternal healthcare.
Aishatu Aliyu, a 25-year-old expectant mother and beneficiary, said, “I’m so happy to receive this kit. It will help me a lot, especially with the current economic conditions.”
Another beneficiary, Rahama Musa, a 30-year-old mother of two, said, “This is a blessing. I’ve been struggling to afford prenatal care, but this kit will help me and my baby stay healthy.”
