The Kwara State Government is providing free delivery kits to pregnant women in 193 Primary Health Care Facilities to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality

[dropcap]I[/dropcap]n a significant move aimed at reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality rates in Kwara State, the State Government has commenced the distribution of free delivery kits to pregnant women across 193 Primary Health Care (PHC) Facilities.

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The government affirmed that this intervention underscores its unwavering commitment to providing quality and affordable healthcare services throughout the State, regardless of geographical location.

Professor Nusirat Elelu, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), disclosed this initiative while addressing journalists on Monday.

In a statement released by the Press Secretary of KWSPHCDA, Alade Opeyemi, Professor Elelu emphasized that Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration places a high priority on the health of women and children.

Consequently, the government will continue to implement measures to ensure that pregnancy and childbirth are safe experiences for both mothers and their newborns.

The Executive Secretary stressed that the provision of clean delivery kits is a vital initiative that addresses a critical need within Kwara communities.

She noted that access to clean and hygienic delivery materials is not merely a healthcare issue but a fundamental right that every expectant mother deserves.

The availability of these kits is a crucial step towards achieving improved maternal and infant health outcomes in the state.

Professor Elelu reiterated the KWSPHCDA’s awareness of the challenges faced by expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved communities who often lack access to basic healthcare supplies.

This lack of access contributes significantly to preventable complications during childbirth.

She highlighted that this initiative is a direct result of the State Government’s commitment, with support from the World Bank IMPACT project, to prioritize the provision of essential resources aimed at bridging existing healthcare gaps and promoting positive health outcomes across Kwara State.

Professor Elelu clarified that the benefiting PHCs are authorized to charge a maximum of N2,000 for other related expenses, while patients enrolled under the Kwara Health Insurance scheme are entirely exempt from this payment.

“Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s administration prioritises the health of women and children, thus, it will continue to ensure pregnancy and childbirth remain safe for women and children,” said Professor Nusirat Elelu, Executive Secretary, Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency.

Furthermore, she announced the launch of a toll-free line, which will be widely publicized across all PHCs, to facilitate the reporting of any instances of sharp practices and to serve as a mechanism for grievance redress.

Dr. Michael Oguntoye, the Programme Manager of the IMPACT Project, commended the initiative, emphasizing that investing in maternal and child healthcare yields long-term cost savings by reducing the need for expensive interventions and treatments for preventable conditions.

“By ensuring the health and well-being of mothers and children, Nigeria can improve productivity and contribute to economic growth.

The provision of free kits for mother and baby care at birth will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare disparities and promote economic growth, while upholding human rights and dignity, especially for the less privileged,” Dr. Oguntoye stated.

He further explained that one of the primary objectives of the IMPACT project is to improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.

These efforts include the revitalization of health facilities, demand generation strategies, capacity building for healthcare personnel, and enhanced community linkages.

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The free delivery kits will be readily available in all 193 Basic Health Care Provision Fund/IMPACT-supported health facilities throughout Kwara State.