On monday, Nigeria joined the global community in commemorating World Health Day 2025 with a powerful call to action under the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.” The focus this year is on maternal and newborn health, an urgent issue that demands collective efforts to ensure every woman and child has access to quality healthcare during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postnatal period.
In a statement released to mark the day, Hon. Tolu Bankole, Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, highlighted the critical importance of maternal and newborn health as the foundation for strong families and a prosperous nation. The statement emphasized that the health of mothers and babies is not only vital for individuals but also for the entire nation’s future.
Globally, approximately 300,000 women die every year due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth, while over 2 million newborns die or are stillborn. These tragic deaths are largely preventable, yet they persist, with one life lost every seven seconds due to inadequate care.
Bankole said. “Every loss represents a life that could have been saved with timely medical intervention. This is why we must act now.”
The statement also acknowledged the significant strides made by the Nigerian government under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Bankole commended the administration’s ongoing efforts to revitalize primary healthcare centers across the country, which have significantly improved access to essential services for millions of Nigerians. Increased budgetary allocation to health, particularly maternal and child health initiatives, along with expanded health insurance coverage, have been key areas of focus for the government.
According to him, the administration has prioritized the recruitment and training of healthcare workers, particularly midwives and community health officers, to ensure that even the most rural and underserved communities have access to skilled care.
Bankole also pointed to the improvements in healthcare infrastructure and the provision of modern medical equipment in federal health institutions as critical to strengthening the overall capacity of Nigeria’s health system.
Chairman of the Governing Board urged Nigerians to prioritize their health, particularly during pregnancy and the early years of a child’s life.
He called on women to attend regular antenatal and postnatal checkups and for families to support one another in seeking timely medical attention. Bankole further emphasized the need for Nigeria’s health system to evolve, addressing not only obstetric complications but also mental health, noncommunicable diseases, and other reproductive health challenges.
“We must raise awareness about maternal and newborn health, advocate for increased investment in healthcare, and support frontline health workers who are integral to our healthcare system,” he said.