UNICEF donates 3,700 kits to pregnant Borno women

The United Nations Children’s Fund has donated 3,700 Mama kits containing essential items for clean and safe childbirth to pregnant women in Borno State.

The UNICEF Chief of Maiduguri Field Office, Francis Busiku, made the announcement on Thursday during the launch of the distribution of Mama kits to 13 Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative priority local government areas of the state.

According to him, the items became necessary following the prevalence of childbirth mortality in the state.

“Borno State has been identified as one of the states in Nigeria contributing a significant proportion to maternal and neonatal mortality.

Every day, women face life-threatening risks while bringing new life into the world.

“To put it in perspective, one woman dies while giving birth every eight minutes

These are not just numbers — they are mothers, daughters, sisters, friends, compatriots, and future leaders lost to preventable causes,” he said.

He further emphasised that the initiative aligned with UNICEF’s core mandate of protecting children and women.

“UNICEF is committed to ensuring that no woman dies giving birth, and every child is given the chance to survive, thrive, and develop into their full potential.

“As part of our efforts, UNICEF has supported them with the provision of 3,700 Mama kits, that is, easy, pre-packed delivery kits containing essential items for clean and safe childbirth,” he added.

Francis called on stakeholders, including the government, traditional leaders, civil society, and development partners, to join hands in scaling up the MAMMI intervention.

“Let us remember, every safe birth is a victory, every mother saved is a future secured and every newborn alive is a promise kept,” he said.

Cupped from Punch