Maternal and child mortality has been described as a serious health challenge, which requires support from all quarters before it can be tamed.
This was made known on Tuesday by Wife of the President, Mrs Aisha Muhammadu Buhari, at the commissioning of a new Maternity Complex built and equipped by the Aisha Buhari Foundation in Daura, Katsina State.
According to the media aide to the wife of the President, Mr. Suleiman Haruna, Mrs Buhari seized the opportunity afforded her by the commissioning ceremony to call on stakeholders and privileged Nigerians to put in their best to achieve this.
Wife of the President, Aisha Buhari, and Governor Aminu Bello Masari, during the commissioning ceremony.
“As I commission this building today, I do so with gratitude to Allah (SWT) and fervent prayers that it will serve humanity for long period in time and encourage others to make a difference in the lives of women all around Nigeria and the world.” said Mrs Buhari.
She added that, “Because of the enormous challenges women face, I am committed to complementing the effort of government in advocating for primary health care.”
The foundation laying ceremony of the project was held in May, 2017 by Mrs Buhari with a promise of early completion. This was accomplished in seven months and it is now in full service.
The complex is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment to handle vital checks, laboratory tests, in-patient and out-patient care and even surgeries.
Earlier, the Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Bello Masari expressed appreciation of the government and people of Katsina State for this great project and promised to manage it efficiently, deploying adequate staff and resources to the complex, which is sure to attract more patients from within and outside its catchment area.
Minister of State for Health, Professor Osagie Ehanire said at the event that by this project, Mrs. Buhari is in tune with the problems of maternal mortality in Nigeria, saying that the project is in line with and complements government policy. He called on other well-meaning Nigerians to engage in such corporate responsibility so that health outcomes can improve.
Goodwill messages were delivered by wives of governors of Bauchi and Imo state, and the Executive Secretary, National Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Highlight of the event was the cutting of the tape and unveiling of the plague, followed by inspection of facilities at the complex.
