The Ogun State Government (OGSG) has announced a strategic partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, Jhpiego, and other organizations to enhance healthcare access for mothers and newborns in the state. This collaboration aims to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates by improving healthcare services and ensuring equitable access to quality care.
The initiative, which focuses on strengthening maternal and child health services, will focus on several key areas: expanding access to healthcare in underserved communities, enhancing the capacity of healthcare providers, and increasing awareness on the importance of maternal and newborn care.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, emphasized that the partnership would significantly contribute to achieving the state’s health objectives. “The collaboration with WHO, UNICEF, Jhpiego, and other key stakeholders is a critical step toward reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates. This initiative will not only enhance healthcare delivery but also improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns,” Coker said.
The program will also focus on building the capacity of healthcare workers through specialized training, ensuring that frontline staff have the skills and knowledge needed to provide high-quality maternal and neonatal care. In addition, community awareness campaigns will be conducted to encourage early antenatal visits, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal care for both mothers and their newborns.
UNICEF’s Representative in Nigeria, Cristian Munduate, welcomed the initiative, noting that improving maternal and child health is essential for the country’s sustainable development. “This partnership is part of a broader effort to reduce maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria. By working together with Ogun State, we are taking meaningful steps to ensure that no mother or child is left behind,” Munduate stated.
Jhpiego’s Country Director, Dr. Olufunmilayo Olopade, reiterated the importance of evidence-based practices and innovative solutions in addressing health challenges. “Jhpiego is committed to supporting the Nigerian government and its partners in improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. Our focus will be on ensuring that interventions are rooted in proven strategies that work,” Olopade said.
The partnership also includes the establishment of a monitoring and evaluation framework to assess the impact of the initiative and guide future interventions. With improved healthcare facilities and enhanced service delivery, the goal is to create lasting improvements in maternal and newborn health, thereby reducing preventable deaths.
This collaboration between the Ogun State Government and its international partners underscores the collective effort to tackle one of Nigeria’s most pressing healthcare challenges, with the potential for positive impacts not only in Ogun State but across the country.
