By Milcah Tanimu
In a significant effort to address Nigeria’s high rates of infant and maternal mortality, Seyi Tinubu has inaugurated a comprehensive healthcare initiative at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital (ABUTH) in Shika-Zaria.
The program is designed to deliver essential medications to at least 10,000 underserved patients per month across 60 selected tertiary hospitals in Nigeria, with a focus on Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatric departments.
Represented by Pharm. Ojeje Amin Onimisi, Tinubu emphasized the importance of improving Nigeria’s global standing in maternal and infant health. “This initiative is born out of a deep commitment to reducing the rates of infant and maternal deaths in our country,” he said.
The initiative will not only provide essential drugs but will also include the distribution of medical equipment and funding for research aimed at enhancing pediatric care. Hospital administrators are encouraged to utilize these resources effectively to benefit the most vulnerable populations.
Dr. Benson Ayodele Cole, National Coordinator for the initiative, explained that tertiary hospitals were selected for this phase due to their capacity and infrastructure. Future phases will extend the program to secondary and primary healthcare facilities nationwide.
Dr. Ibrahim Mohammed-Zaria, Deputy Chairman of the Medical Advisory Committee at ABUTH, praised the initiative, noting its potential to improve health outcomes for mothers and children. He assured that the resources would be managed efficiently to maximize their impact.
In addition to the healthcare initiative, Tinubu also addressed water scarcity issues in Zaria City by donating a solar-powered industrial borehole to the Banzazzau community. This project aims to prevent waterborne diseases such as cholera.
Tinubu further demonstrated his commitment to healthcare with the launch of the Seyi Tinubu Residency Training Scholarship, offering ₦1,000,000 to final-year resident doctors to support their fellowship exam preparations. Dr. Aisha Suleiman, the first recipient, expressed her gratitude for the support.
Mrs. Aisha Ololade, National Coordinator for the education intervention, highlighted the importance of clean water in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) practices to reduce infant and maternal mortality. She emphasized that clean water and drug provision are crucial to safeguarding the health of mothers and children across Nigeria.
These initiatives mark a significant step towards improving healthcare outcomes and addressing critical needs in Nigeria’s vulnerable populations.