'Seun Ibukun-Oni, Abuja
DAILY COURIER – As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Health Day 2025, Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole, Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, has called for intensified national efforts to protect the health of mothers and newborns.
Speaking in Abuja on Monday, Aare Bankole aligned with the World Health Organization’s theme for the year—“Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” —which underscores the importance of maternal and newborn health as the cornerstone of strong families and thriving communities.
“This year’s focus on maternal and newborn health highlights the urgent need to ensure that every woman and child has access to quality care from pregnancy through childbirth and the postnatal period,” he said. “The health of mothers and babies is the foundation of a prosperous nation.”
Bankole cited sobering global statistics, noting that nearly 300,000 women die annually due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, while more than 2 million newborns die or are stillborn. “These are preventable tragedies that demand urgent and sustained action,” he emphasized. “Every seven seconds, a life is lost that could have been saved with timely care.”
In his remarks, Bankole commended the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu GCFR for what he described as “impactful interventions” in the health sector under the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). He noted that the Tinubu-led government has undertaken widespread revitalization of primary healthcare centers across all six geopolitical zones, ensuring broader access to essential health services.
He also pointed to increased budgetary allocations to health, targeted maternal and child health programs, and the expansion of health insurance schemes to reach more vulnerable groups. According to him, this has made it possible for more women and children to access affordable care across the country.
Further highlighting government efforts, Bankole applauded the recruitment and training of healthcare professionals—including midwives and community health workers—whose services are helping to bridge the care gap in rural and underserved communities. He also acknowledged ongoing improvements in infrastructure and the provision of modern medical equipment in federal health institutions.
Despite these gains, the Chairman urged Nigerians to take individual responsibility for their health. “Women should attend regular antenatal and postnatal checkups,” he advised, adding that families must encourage early medical consultations and take proactive steps to ensure healthy outcomes.
Bankole stressed the need for health systems to evolve beyond managing obstetric complications to also addressing broader issues such as mental health, noncommunicable diseases, and reproductive health.
He concluded with a passionate appeal to mark World Health Day by raising awareness, advocating for continued investment in healthcare, supporting families and healthcare workers, and sharing accurate information to guide health decisions.
“A healthy Nigeria begins with healthy mothers and children,” Bankole declared. “Together, we can ensure hopeful futures for every family.”
World Health Day is celebrated globally every April 7 and serves as a platform to spotlight critical health issues and rally efforts toward universal health and well-being. This year’s observance launches a year-long campaign by the WHO focused on ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths and promoting longer-term health for women and families.
