The Rotary Action Group for Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) has announced a nationwide scale-up of its flagship health programme, “Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria”, aiming to reduce maternal and child mortality across the country.
The announcement was made during a stakeholder workshop on programme development and scale-up, where stakeholders gathered to assess the success of the pilot phase and chart the way forward for national expansion.
From Pilot States to National Impact
Following what Rotary described as excellent outcomes in the pilot states of Nasarawa, Gombe, Ekiti, and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), the programme will now be expanded to 14 states across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.
The National Coordinator of the RMCH group, Professor Adedolapo Lufadeju, emphasized that the expansion is designed to strengthen healthcare systems, encourage safe delivery practices, and promote antenatal and postnatal care for mothers and newborns.
“We want to ensure every pregnant woman attends antenatal clinics, delivers in a safe facility, and returns for postnatal care,” said Professor Lufadeju.
Presidential Health Agenda Prioritizes Safe Motherhood
Speaking at the event, Dr. Salma Ibrahim Anas, Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Health Matters, reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths through the renewed health agenda.
She outlined key government strategies, including the expanded National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) enrollment for vulnerable groups such as pregnant women and children, Improved access to primary healthcare, and Stronger collaboration with development partners.
“President Tinubu’s vision is to ensure no mother or child dies from preventable causes. Evidence-based interventions and strategic partnerships like this are essential,” Dr. Anas stated.
Call for State-Level Support and Ownership
The Executive Secretary of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Ruqqaya Wamakko, commended Rotary International for extending its maternal and child health projects to more states and called on state governments to take ownership of such initiatives.
“Sustainability requires active state support. We urge all state governments to back this programme and invest in maternal and child health infrastructure,” Dr. Wamakko urged.
