The Federal Capital Territory Administration has rolled out two major health initiatives to protect women and children. The programmes target maternal and infant deaths, while also tackling household air pollution across the FCT.
They were unveiled on Wednesday at Asokoro District Hospital as part of Nigeria’s 65th independence anniversary events.
FCT Minister of State, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, said no woman should face childbirth without proper support. She stressed that the initiatives were designed to give mothers and babies the safest possible start in life.
“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care,” she declared.
Mother–Baby Kits Initiative
The Mother–Baby Kits contain basic but vital items needed for labour, delivery, and neonatal care. Mahmoud explained that the kits will reach pregnant women across the FCT to support safe childbirth.
She said the project reflects government’s deep commitment to maternal and child health, adding that preventing needless deaths is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mahmoud also launched the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, a scheme to reduce indoor air pollution in homes. Under the plan, families will receive Liquefied Petroleum Gas cookers to replace firewood and charcoal that cause respiratory diseases.
She described the project as a forward-looking intervention for healthier families and cleaner air.
“We want every home healthier, every birth safer, and every breath cleaner,” the minister said.
Zero Tolerance for Maternal Deaths
Mandate Secretary of FCT Health Services, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, said the Administration has adopted a zero-tolerance policy for maternal and child deaths. She noted that many women still die from preventable complications during childbirth.
“One major reason for these preventable deaths is the lack of access to clean, safe and essential supplies during delivery. The Renewed Hope Mother–Baby Kit initiative is designed to bridge that gap,” she said.
Fasawe encouraged women to register for antenatal care. She assured that the kits and gas cookers would be distributed free across the six area councils.
The kits carry the slogan “Renewing Hope, One Baby at a Time” while the clean air project is themed “Renewing Hope, One Home at a Time.”
She added that the programme, launched in partnership with IHS, shows government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and FCT Minister Nyesom Wike.
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