The Kwara government has distributed safe birth kits to the 16 local government areas of the state.

The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Amina El-Imam, said this on Friday in Ilorin at a news conference to commemorate the 2024 Safe Motherhood Week.

The Ministry of Health and the Shepard for Health, Environment Advocacy and Development (SHEAD) Centre jointly held the programme.

Speaking on the theme “Investing in Maternal Health for a Sustainable Future,” the commissioner noted that the safe birth kits are designed to enhance hygienic practices during delivery.

Ms El-Imam emphasised the importance of promoting the health of mothers and their newborns, saying that Safe Motherhood Week serves as a reminder of an urgent need to address the disparities in maternal healthcare services.

According to her, it will improve access to equity among underserved communities and advocate policies that prioritise the safety and dignity of every mother.

The commissioner pointed out that “investment in maternal health is the surest way to guarantee the future which we all desire.

“The provision of infrastructure, functional basic medical equipment, drugs and adequate human resources for health will improve the quality of maternal and newborn healthcare and ultimately improve the health outcomes of pregnant women.

“We can only have healthy babies when mothers have access to quality healthcare throughout pregnancy, labour, delivery, and postnatal care.”

She said the government was intervening in numerous health projects, including the renovation of primary and secondary healthcare

facilities, and supply of equipment and drugs, among others.

Ms El-Imam commended the support of various partners, including SHEAD, WHO, and UNICEF.

Abioye Joseph, the representative of SHEAD, said the programme allows various stakeholders to collaborate to ensure they promote the health of mothers and babies.

(NAN)