As Nigeria joins the global community to commemorate the 2025 World Health Day, the Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, Tobi Bankole has described quality maternal and newborn health as the foundation for strong families and a prosperous nation.
Bankole, in a statement issued on Monday, emphasised that the health of mothers and babies is not only vital for individuals, but also for the entire nation’s future.
Besides, he noted that it is an urgent issue that demands collective efforts to ensure that every woman and child has access to quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period.
He pointed out that globally, approximately 300,000 women die every year due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, while over two million newborns die or are stillborn. These tragic deaths are largely preventable, yet they persist, with one life lost every seven seconds due to inadequate care.
According to him, “Every loss represents a life that could have been saved with timely medical intervention. This is why we must act now.”
The statement also acknowledged the significant strides made by the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu.
Bankole commended the administration’s ongoing efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centers which have significantly improved access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. Increased budgetary allocation to health, particularly maternal and child health initiatives, along with expanded health insurance coverage, have been key areas of focus for government.
According to him, the administration has prioritised the recruitment and training of healthcare workers, particularly midwives and community health officers, to ensure that even the most rural and underserved communities have access to skilled care.
The FETHI Board chair also pointed to improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the provision of modern medical equipment in federal health institutions as critical to strengthening the overall capacity of the health system.
The chairman of the Governing Board urged Nigerians to prioritise their health, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life.
He called on women to attend regular antenatal and postnatal checkups, and for families to support one another in seeking timely medical attention.
Bankole emphasized the need for Nigeria’s health system to evolve, addressing not only obstetric complications, but also mental health, non-communicable diseases and other reproductive health challenges.
“We must raise awareness about maternal and newborn health, advocate for increased investment in healthcare and support frontline health workers who are integral to our healthcare system,” he said.
AljazirahNigeria reports that the theme of this year’s World Health Day “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” is the first theme dedicated to maternal and newborn health since 2005.
