Amid persistent concerns over maternal mortality and gaps in access to quality healthcare, the First Lady of Niger State, Hajiya Fatima Umaru Bago, has reaffirmed her commitment to strengthening Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) through targeted reforms and investments in primary healthcare.
She said improving maternal health outcomes remains a top priority, noting that the state is scaling up efforts to address preventable deaths, unmet family planning needs, and inequalities in healthcare access affecting women and vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the launch of a new SRHR initiative, the First Lady disclosed that the state plans to establish 100 Level 2 primary healthcare centres within the next two years as part of broader reforms under the New Nigeria Health Agenda.
“Significant progress has already been made, with 54 new facilities constructed and equipped with ambulances, and 20 centres already commissioned,” she said.
Hajiya Bago emphasised that the ongoing interventions are designed to build resilient, integrated, and gender-sensitive health systems that respond effectively to the needs of women, adolescents, and marginalised groups.
“This project is focused on building health systems that are inclusive and responsive, particularly for women and young people who are most affected by gaps in access to care,” she stated.
She noted that the Strengthening Health Systems for Integrated and Transformative SRHR (SHIFTS) project comes at a critical time when stakeholders are intensifying efforts to tackle maternal mortality and other longstanding challenges in the health sector.
“It emphasises strengthening the quality of care, improving data systems for informed decision-making, and fostering community ownership—key elements for achieving sustainable impact,” she added.
Earlier, the Planned Parenthood Federation of Nigeria (PPFN) launched a seven-year project aimed at expanding access to sexual and reproductive healthcare services across the country.
President of PPFN, Bitrus Kwamoti Laori, explained that the initiative, funded by the Government of Canada through Action Canada for Sexual Health and Rights, will be implemented under the SHIFTS programme.
“The PPFN has offices in all states of the federation, and it is through these offices and our facilities that the programme will be implemented. The project sites and facilities are already in place,” he said.
He added that the project will be implemented in six states, representing each geopolitical zone, with a focus on underserved communities that have historically faced limited access to healthcare.
Also speaking, SHIFTS Coordinator, Maryam Zudi, said the programme will strengthen service delivery, advocacy, and policy support to improve access to healthcare for target populations.
She noted that the initiative will be implemented not only in Nigeria but also in Benin and Mozambique, underscoring a broader regional commitment to advancing sexual and reproductive health outcomes.
