The Federal Government has launched the nationwide distribution of maternal and neonatal health commodities valued at N2.9 billion, in a bid to reduce preventable deaths among women and children.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr Muyi Aina, said the initiative reflects President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns.

The commodities, to be provided free of charge, will be distributed with 60 per cent allocated to the North-West and 34 per cent to the North-East, based on the areas with the greatest needs. The first phase will cover ten states, targeting 80 local government areas with the highest burden of preventable maternal deaths.

“This intervention by the Federal Government is designed to fill critical gaps and demonstrate how effective solutions can be, with the hope that states will build on it,” Dr Aina said. “Too many women die needlessly from preventable causes. Even one avoidable death is too many.”

The initiative also includes training health workers, providing equipment, revitalising health facilities, and introducing quality improvement interventions.

The National Coordinator of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII), Dr Dayo Adeyanju, said maternal health data will now be tracked annually to measure progress and refine strategies.

Development partners welcomed the government’s efforts. The World Health Organization’s Representative in Nigeria, Dr Mary Branton, alongside the Gates Foundation and UNICEF, commended the commitment and pledged continued support to strengthen maternal and neonatal health services nationwide.