NEW HEALTH INITIATIVE LAUNCHES IN TARABA TO END MATERNAL MORTALITY
By Mohammed Tikka
A collaborative health initiative between the Federal and Taraba State Ministries of Health, aimed at reducing mortality rates among pregnant women and children, has officially commenced in Taraba State. The five-day workshop, which launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, known as MAMII, took place in Jalingo, marking the beginning of a significant turning point in maternal and child health in the state.
The flag-off ceremony was held at the Star Exclusive Hotel, with top health officials and stakeholders in attendance.
Representing the Taraba State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Bodiya Buma, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Chufor Hamony, expressed concern that despite more than ten years of various efforts, the state and Nigeria as a whole still struggle with high numbers of maternal and infant deaths.
He described the situation as troubling and called for renewed commitment. However, he said he is hopeful that the MAMII programme will help drastically reduce the death rates of mothers and newborns across the state.
Also speaking at the event, the State Coordinator of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Peter Adamu, who was represented by Mr. Bala Uteng Audu, pointed out that although several past governments had introduced similar programmes, many failed to produce lasting results. He noted that what sets MAMII apart is the quality of the strategy and the team behind it, adding that he is confident this time things will be different.
Backing this optimism, the Regional Manager of Reproductive Choices Northeast, Dauda Samaila, pledged his organization’s full support, promising both technical and financial assistance to ensure the programme’s success.
Earlier in the event, the Executive Secretary of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Mr. Tukura Nuhu, represented by Mr. Ezekiel Urbanus, welcomed the launch and thanked all partners involved. He said a programme like MAMII was long overdue, given the urgent need to tackle maternal and newborn deaths in the state.
Representing the Federal Ministry of Health, Alexander Dachung said the federal government remains committed to the well-being of women and children, which is why it introduced MAMII nationwide. He said the programme is part of a broader national effort to curb the high rate of deaths among pregnant women and their babies.
Explaining how the programme would work in Taraba, the State Desk Officer for the Sector-Wide Approach, Reuben Wunuji, said the state government would take charge of distributing intervention materials, assessing community health needs directly, and identifying local challenges that prevent progress in maternal healthcare.
With these assurances and renewed hope, the people of Taraba may finally see a significant drop in the number of women and babies dying during childbirth, a goal that has long remained out of reach.
