The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for urgent and collective action to tackle the country’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
This comes as Nigeria joins the global community to mark World Health Day,
Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, WHO Country Representative in Nigeria, made the call in Abuja during the Walk to commemorate the World Health Day with the theme for this year’s celebration: “My Health, My Right.”
“Today reminds us why WHO was created to promote health, save lives, and ensure everyone can live a healthy life from birth to old age,” Dr. Mulombo stated. “But the reality in Nigeria remains worrisome. Maternal and neonatal mortality rates are still unacceptably high, and we must act now.”
Citing data from the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), Dr. Mulombo acknowledged that maternal health indices remain a major concern, even though recent figures are still being analyzed by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
“WHO has been working around the clock with government and partners to accelerate reductions in these preventable deaths,” he said.
He highlighted the recent launch of the Mothers and Newborns Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMI) by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare as a major step forward.
“The MAMI initiative is a game-changer. It represents a renewed commitment by the government, civil society, and communities to drastically reduce the number of women and babies dying from preventable causes,” Dr. Mulombo emphasized. “We are all in this together. This is not just a government problem; it’s everyone’s responsibility.”
He added that beyond maternal and child health, this year’s theme also encourages individuals to remain physically active and make healthier lifestyle choices to prevent diseases.
Looking ahead, the WHO Representative assured that the organization will continue to strengthen Nigeria’s health system.
“We will upscale our efforts to support healthcare workers and enhance system responsiveness to the needs of Nigerian communities,” he said. “Our goal is clear by 2030, Nigeria must significantly improve health outcomes, and WHO remains a committed partner in that journey.”
World Health Day is commemorated every April 7 to mark the founding of the World Health Organization in 1948. This year’s theme reaffirms the right of every individual to access quality healthcare regardless of geography or income.
