Efforts to enhance maternal care in Plateau State have taken a major step forward with the launch of a 48,000-unit mama kit distribution scheme aimed at lowering maternal and infant death rates.
Health Commissioner Dr Nicholas Baamlong made this known in Jos while presenting an update on his ministry’s performance over the last year.
“These kits come packed with critical supplies such as sanitary pads, medical gloves, cleaning agents, and newborn clothing. They are given out freely to promote hospital-based deliveries,” said Baamlong.
The initiative is designed to support pregnant women in need and ensure they access quality antenatal services.
“Our goal is to ensure that more mothers deliver safely and under professional supervision,” he said, underscoring the state’s commitment to improving maternal and child health indicators.
Baamlong also pointed to the achievements of the ANRiN programme, which surpassed expectations by reaching 308,413 women with nutritional counselling and delivering Iron Folic Acid supplements to over 303,000 across 170 health centres.
He added that 249,928 women received malaria-prevention treatments, while children benefited from Vitamin A doses and deworming campaigns.
To strengthen healthcare delivery, the commissioner announced that Governor Caleb Mutfwang had approved the hiring of additional healthcare workers.
“The recruitment process is ongoing, and we are committed to maintaining transparency throughout,” Baamlong affirmed.
The initiative reflects the government’s broader mission to improve health service delivery and ensure safer outcomes for mothers and their babies.