First Lady flags off incentives to boost maternal, newborn care

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Chidinma Chukwu ABUJA — THE First Lady of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, on Monday, launched the distribution of incentives to pregnant women, especially those in vulnerable and underserved communities, to promote the increased use of antenatal care and other essential maternal and newborn health services.

Senator Tinubu said the provision of newborn clothing reflected the administration’s commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian child was welcomed with dignity, warmth and care, while the maternal food support recognised the importance of adequate nutrition to the health of mothers, successful pregnancies, safe deliveries and healthy newborns.“I encourage state and local governments, traditional and religious leaders, development partners, philanthropists, and other stakeholders to support this effort by ensuring incentives reach women in vulnerable and underserved communities and by increasing utilisation of maternal and newborn health services”, she added.