The Adamawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and adolescent healthcare, stressing that the health and survival of women and newborns remain a top priority in its efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across the state.
The commitment was reiterated during a stakeholder meeting organised by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in collaboration with the Adamawa State Government and supported by the European Union-funded Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH) programme.
The meeting brought together health experts, government officials, journalists and other stakeholders to discuss strategies for reducing maternal and newborn deaths while improving access to quality healthcare services for women and adolescents.
Speaking at the event, Oluseyi Olosunde, UNICEF Health Officer at the Bauchi Field Office, described maternal and adolescent health as a critical component of national development, noting that the well-being of women has a direct impact on families, communities and the future of society.
According to him, maternal health extends beyond preventing deaths during pregnancy and childbirth. He explained that it involves creating opportunities for women and adolescents to live healthy lives, reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national growth and development.
‘A healthy woman determines the health of the family and the nation. Maternal and adolescent health is more than preventing death; it is about enabling women and adolescents to survive, thrive and reach their full potentials,’ Olosunde said.
He warned against home deliveries, saying complications such as severe bleeding and other medical emergencies could arise unexpectedly and become life-threatening when skilled healthcare professionals are not available to provide immediate intervention.
Olosunde therefore urged pregnant women to take advantage of health facilities where trained birth attendants, emergency obstetric services and other essential maternal healthcare services are available to ensure safe deliveries.
He also highlighted the importance of regular antenatal care, proper nutrition, access to accurate health information, safe facility-based childbirth and postnatal care, describing them as vital measures for reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates.
The UNICEF official further encouraged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of a child’s life, noting that it remains one of the most effective ways of promoting healthy growth, strengthening immunity and improving child survival.
He called on stakeholders, community leaders and healthcare workers to intensify public awareness campaigns and community engagement efforts aimed at encouraging safe motherhood practices and improving healthcare-seeking behaviour among women.
The health expert called for stronger collaboration among government agencies, development partners, journalists and local communities to accelerate progress in maternal and adolescent healthcare and ensure that more women and children have access to quality health services across Adamawa State.