The initiative, flagged off on Monday by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), targets high-burden states and aims to deliver life-saving interventions at primary health care (PHC) facilities, aligning with the president’s Renewed Hope Agenda for safeguarding women and children.  

Speaking at the launch event in Abuja, NPHCDA Executive Director Dr. Muyi Aina emphasized that the program prioritizes 10 states and 80 local government areas with the highest mortality burdens, where preventable deaths remain a critical challenge. 

Nigeria accounts for about 20% of global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality ratio exceeding 800 per 100,000 live births, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 

“When you don’t have enough resources or time to go everywhere at once, you prioritise where the need is biggest, where you have the largest number of women losing their lives due to preventable causes,” Aina stated, underscoring the strategic focus on these regions.  

The distributed commodities include 21 priority items such as delivery kits, antenatal medicines and supplements, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, family planning materials, and essential drugs for mothers and newborns. 

Beyond mere supply, the initiative encompasses systemic enhancements: upgrading PHC infrastructure, equipping facilities, and training health workers to ensure effective service delivery and sustainability. 

Aina noted that the rollout was delayed slightly to secure state-level commitments for ongoing funding, ensuring the program’s long-term impact.  

Implemented in partnership with international organizations including the WHO, UNICEF, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the effort reflects a collaborative approach to bolstering Nigeria’s health sector. 

WHO Representative Dr. Mary Brantwo described the commodities as “tools of hope, dignity, and survival,” committing to annual data tracking to monitor progress and refine strategies. 

“If our strategy is working, we double down. If it’s not working, we pivot as appropriate,” Aina added, highlighting the data-driven monitoring mechanism. 

UNFPA Representative Achu Lordfred affirmed alignment with goals to prevent maternal deaths, promote family planning, and combat gender-based violence, while Gates Foundation’s Muhammed restated support for creating opportunities for survival and thriving.  

The Federal Government has urged state governments to complement these efforts by allocating resources for sustainability, as the initial phase covers only select areas but plans nationwide expansion.