Midwives Get 10,000 Lifesaving Kits in Bold Push to Cut Deaths by 20%

Midwives Get 10,000 Lifesaving Kits in Bold Push to Cut Deaths by 20%

Midwives in Nigeria just got a major boost—10,000 brand-new professional kits to help them save more lives. These frontline workers are key to reducing maternal and infant deaths, and the federal government says it wants to cut maternal mortality by at least 20% by 2027.

At a gathering in Enugu, Nigeria’s First Lady Oluremi Tinubu presented the kits to midwives across the South-east. The event was part of a larger project under the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI), which supports health workers and focuses on women and children’s well-being.

The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, said the government also aims to reduce infant and under-five deaths by 15% within the same timeframe. He praised the work of midwives and stressed how important they are to Nigeria’s future.

“We sincerely appreciate the impactful role that midwives are playing in the efforts to deliver on the maternal and child health agenda of the president,” Mr. Salako said.

He described the kit handover as a step toward building a strong and motivated health workforce. He added that these kits symbolize more than just supplies—they represent care, hope, and dignity for mothers and children.

Each kit contains scrubs, Crocs, and essential items midwives need to do their work safely and professionally. The minister encouraged the recipients to use the kits responsibly and assured them that the government will keep supporting them with tools, welfare packages, and other help they need to do their jobs.

Mrs. Tinubu, who led the event at the International Conference Centre in Enugu, said that 10,000 kits were delivered to the South-east region alone. This number is part of a nationwide target of 60,000 kits for health workers in every zone of Nigeria.

“Since January 2024, we have distributed 50,000 kits across five geopolitical zones, and I’m excited that today, we are concluding this with the Southeast,” she said.

She also revealed that the project received support from a global partner, which the Nigerian government engaged at the UN General Assembly in 2023 and again at the African Union Summit in 2024.

The First Lady, joined by Nana Shettima (wife of the Vice President) and other governors’ wives, said RHI had already helped train 60,000 health workers across Nigeria. This effort supports the federal government’s larger plan to retrain 120,000 frontline health professionals.

To further protect mothers and babies, Mrs. Tinubu said Nigeria would launch the “Free to Shine Triple Elimination Campaign” in Enugu. This campaign targets three major health risks—HIV, syphilis, and hepatitis—that can be passed from mother to child. The goal is to wipe out these infections during childbirth.

The RHI is not just about health. It also helps local families earn a living. As part of its economic support program, Mrs. Tinubu said 1,000 petty traders in Enugu State would receive N50 million in grants. Another N50 million, donated by the Tony Elumelu Foundation, will benefit an additional 500 traders.

The event also featured Enugu State First Lady, Nkechinyere Mbah, who stressed how critical midwives are to Nigeria’s health system.

“A well-supported midwifery workforce can prevent up to 41 per cent of maternal deaths, 39 per cent of neonatal deaths, and 26 per cent of stillbirths,” she said, citing global studies.

Governor Peter Mbah also praised the federal government. He said Enugu State had used these national health programs to improve care at the grassroots level, especially in rebuilding primary healthcare centers.

Despite these positive developments, Nigeria still faces a tough reality. Maternal mortality remains a serious health crisis. A recent World Bank report from 2024 shows that Nigeria makes up 20% of global maternal deaths.

With a staggering 576 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, Nigeria ranks fourth globally for the highest maternal mortality rate. That means for every 100,000 babies born alive, more than 500 mothers lose their lives.

UNICEF reports also paint a troubling picture. Nigeria has only 2.4% of the world’s population, but it accounts for 10% of global maternal deaths. Each year, about 262,000 Nigerian newborns die during childbirth. That’s the second-highest number in the world.

Infant mortality in Nigeria stands at 69 deaths per 1,000 live births, while under-five deaths reach 128 per 1,000 births.

These figures reveal why the new kits and training programs matter so much. By equipping midwives and giving them the right tools, Nigeria hopes to turn these numbers around.

The government’s long-term plan is clear: reduce preventable deaths, build a stronger health system, and support the women who are bringing life into the world. And it’s putting its money—and heart—into action.

This initiative gives midwives the recognition they deserve and ensures that mothers and babies across the country get better chances at survival. With continued support, this could be the turning point in Nigeria’s fight against maternal and child deaths.