In a major push to protect mothers and children, the Nigerian government reports progress in maternal and newborn survival and launches three NAFDAC initiatives targeting nutrition and medicine quality. Over the past two years, maternal deaths have declined by 17% and newborn deaths by 10%, according to the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Ali Pate.
Speaking in Abuja during the unveiling of NAFDAC’s three major initiatives to improve nutrition, strengthen public health systems, and combat substandard and falsified medicines, Prof. Ali Pate described the progress as encouraging but emphasized that much more remains to be done given Nigeria’s population and persistent health challenges.
He also unveiled the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health + Nutrition (MNCH+N) Initiative, aimed at ensuring that pregnant women, newborns, and young children have access to essential nutrition and health products.
“This effort will contribute to improving maternal and child survival because families will have access to quality products when they need them”, he said.
Pate highlighted the National Action Plan on the Prevention, Detection, and Response to Substandard and Falsified Medical Products, noting that poor-quality medicines fuel antimicrobial resistance, undermine public confidence, and cost lives.
He also emphasized that improving health outcomes requires a collective effort from the government, development partners, the private sector, professional bodies, and local communities.
Pate praised NAFDAC for maintaining the World Health Organization’s Maturity Level 3 regulatory status, which confirms Nigeria’s strong oversight capacity for medical product quality.
On her part, NAFDAC Director-General, Mojisola Adeyeye described the initiatives, including MNCH+N, the Office for Women and Children’s Health (NOWCH), and the National Action Plan on Substandard Medicines (2023–2027), as pillars to protect women and children.
Adeyeye called for collaboration among government, development partners, and civil society to ensure access to safe medicines, adequate nutrition, and quality healthcare for all Nigerians.
On her part, the Chairperson of the House Committee on NAFDAC, WHO Nigeria, and the Gates Foundation, Hon. Regina Akume, praised the programs, emphasizing their role in improving maternal and child health.
About the Author
