By John Moses
The Niger State Government has launched a large-scale health campaign aimed at improving maternal and child health, with a focus on reaching over 2 million children under the age of five and 600,000 women across the state.
The initiative, which marks the commencement of the May/June 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) and the National Immunisation Plus Days, was inaugurated on Monday by Governor Umaru Bago, represented by Deputy Governor Yakubu Garba.
Governor Bago said the campaign aligns with his administration’s New Niger Agenda, stressing the urgent need to reduce preventable deaths caused by childhood diseases.
“This campaign underscores the importance of immunisation and nutrition in building a healthier and more resilient population,” he stated. “Our collective actions are vital in meeting the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”
He highlighted the government’s recent efforts, including upgrading primary healthcare centres in all 274 wards, recruiting new medical personnel, and improving access to healthcare in remote communities.
Commissioner for Primary Healthcare, Dr Ibrahim Dangana, emphasised that the MNCHW initiative aims to tackle maternal and newborn mortality through free services including deworming, antenatal care, birth registration, and the distribution of long-lasting mosquito nets.
International partners praised the effort. Aliyu Suleiman, the World Health Organisation (WHO) Coordinator in Niger, reaffirmed the agency’s support, while UNICEF’s WASH Specialist, Mrs Theresa Pamma, commended the campaign as a demonstration of the state’s commitment to vulnerable populations.
