Governor Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State has flagged off the first round of the 2026 Integrated Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, aimed at providing life-saving healthcare services to vulnerable communities across the state.
The governor, represented by his deputy, Prof. Kaletapwa Farauta, launched the five-day campaign on Monday in Ngurore, Yola South Local Government Area, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare.
Farauta said the initiative was designed to address the health needs of mothers, newborns and children in both urban and rural communities.
“This initiative underscores our determination to protect the health needs of mothers and children in both urban and rural communities,” she said.
The programme, organised by the Ministry of Health and Human Services in collaboration with development partners, also seeks to promote fathers’ involvement in child healthcare.
During the event, the deputy governor administered Vitamin A supplements, deworming tablets, routine immunisations and nutritional screenings, while distributing 8,000 Mama-to-Mama kits to beneficiaries.
She stated that pregnant women and nursing mothers would benefit from antenatal care services, iron and folic acid supplements, health education and counselling.
“Pregnant women and mothers will receive antenatal care, iron and folic acid supplements, health education, and counselling to improve maternal health outcomes,” Farauta added.
She commended healthcare workers, volunteers and programme implementers for their contributions to the success of the campaign.
“Your dedication is the backbone of this campaign, and we value your support,” she said.
Speaking on behalf of the Commissioner for Health and Human Services, the Permanent Secretary of the ministry, Pharmacist Mathias Zira Bubanani, and the Executive Chairman of the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Suleiman Saidu Bashir, said the initiative reflected the government’s commitment to expanding access to healthcare services.
According to them, adequate mechanisms have been put in place to ensure effective supervision, performance monitoring and accountability throughout the exercise.
“We are committed to promptly addressing operational challenges to ensure effective implementation,” Bashir said.
Farauta also inspected ongoing primary healthcare facility projects in Nzumosu, Bolki and Kpasham communities, where she expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work being carried out.
She directed contractors handling the projects to improve standards and ensure timely completion.
“We will not accept substandard work. Contractors must deliver facilities that meet the needs of our people,” she warned.