The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has unveiled two major health initiatives, the free distribution of Mother–Baby Kits and the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, as part of activities marking Nigeria’s 65th Independence Anniversary.
The FCT Minister of State, Dr Mariya Mahmoud, officially launched the programmes at Asokoro District Hospital, Abuja, emphasising that they represent a holistic vision of healthcare by protecting mothers and newborns during childbirth while also addressing the dangers of household air pollution.
She explained that the Mother–Baby Kits contain essential medical items and consumables to support safe labour, delivery, and neonatal care.
“No woman should face childbirth without the tools and support she needs, and no child should begin life without adequate care. These kits reflect our deep commitment to maternal and child health and to ensuring that every mother and baby is given the best start possible,” Mahmoud stated.
On the Abuja Breathe Fresh Air Project, the Minister described it as a bold initiative aimed at reducing indoor air pollution in vulnerable households by replacing polluting fuels such as firewood, charcoal, and kerosene with smart, efficient Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cookers.
“By doing so, we are addressing one of the silent but deadly health risks in homes: respiratory disease caused by smoke inhalation,” she said.
Mahmoud added that the programmes form part of a broader transformation under the Renewed Hope Agenda, which includes workforce training, improved hospital infrastructure, and the establishment of a Public Health Emergency Operations Centre to strengthen resilience in the health system.
Mandate Secretary of the FCT Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Adedolapo Fasawe, lamented Nigeria’s high maternal and infant mortality rates and noted that the Mother–Baby Kits initiative seeks to bridge critical gaps in delivery care.
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Dignitaries at the event included Mandate Secretary for Women Affairs, Adedayo Benjamin Laniyi; Permanent Secretary, Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr Baba-Gana Adams; acting DG, Hospital Management Board, Abubakar Ahmadu; and acting Executive Secretary, Primary Health Care Development, Hajiya Rakiyya Wamako.
Pregnant women present at the event also received free Baby Kits and cooking gas as part of the programme’s side attractions.
The projects were launched under the slogans:
Breathe Clean Air, Abuja: Renewing Hope One Home at a Time and FCT Baby Kit: Renewing Hope, One Baby at a Time
