Niger State has commenced the 2025 First Round of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week and the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs), as Governor Umaru Bago flags off the initiative to boost healthcare access for mothers and children across the state.
The official flag-off event took place at the Idris Ibrahim Kuta Primary Healthcare Centre along Old Airport Road in Minna. The Deputy Governor, Yakubu Garba, represented Governor Bago at the ceremony.
In his address, Governor Bago underscored the importance of proper nutrition, quality maternal care, and child immunization as essential steps toward building a healthier and more productive Niger State. He emphasized that the campaign aligns with the “New Niger” agenda and contributes to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to health and well-being.
Governor Bago acknowledged persistent challenges such as malnutrition, especially among women and children. However, he assured that the state government is implementing targeted policies and reforms to revamp primary healthcare delivery. He also praised donor agencies and development partners for their continuous technical and financial contributions, which have improved access to essential health services.
He urged mothers, caregivers, and traditional leaders to take full advantage of the week-long campaign, which features a range of services including:
Promotion of exclusive breastfeeding
Antenatal care and health screenings
Family planning education
Nutritional support and complementary feeding awareness
Routine immunization for children and pregnant women
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Ibrahim Dangana, explained that the health initiative aims to reduce maternal deaths and enhance child survival rates. He added that free medical services will be available throughout the week, including:
Screening for malnutrition
Distribution of insecticide-treated nets
Birth registration and issuance of certificates
Routine and oral polio immunization
Representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), and UNICEF—Yusuf Mohammed, Aliyu Usman, and Chinwe Ezeife—commended Niger State’s proactive efforts in improving maternal and child health. They reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the state in delivering life-saving interventions and ensuring every child has a chance to survive and thrive.
