Senator Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, representing Kogi Central senatorial district, has urged the federal government to give top priority to addressing maternal mortality in the 2024 budget. The senator emphasized the urgent need to curb the alarming rate of deaths during childbirth and called for a realignment of budgetary focus to tackle this critical issue.
During the 2024 Budget Defence/Interactive Session between the Senate Committee on Women Affairs and the Minister of Women Affairs, Uju Kennedy-Ohaneye, Senator Natasha expressed concerns about the current allocation of funds. She pointed out that projects such as the construction of classrooms, mosque rehabilitation, and street lighting, while important, do not directly address women’s issues.
Citing data from the World Health Organization, Senator Natasha highlighted the gravity of the maternal mortality situation, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited. She underscored the urgent need for functional primary healthcare centers in rural communities equipped with incubators and ambulances to address emergencies.
Drawing attention to the challenges faced by her constituents in Kogi Central, Senator Natasha emphasized that a lack of access to quality healthcare services results in a tragic number of maternal deaths daily. She called for a shift in focus from infrastructure projects to essential healthcare services, echoing the need for ambulances and incubators in the region.
Senator Natasha also advocated for increased public awareness and understanding of the federal government’s role in providing healthcare services. She stressed the importance of sensitization to ensure citizens are aware of the government’s responsibilities in safeguarding lives and promoting access to healthcare services.
Additionally, Senator Natasha proposed the establishment of synergy between the Ministry of Women Affairs and the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, along with collaboration with other relevant MDAs. She suggested leveraging programs like AFAWA (Affirmative Finance Action for Women in Africa) from the African Development Bank to support women entrepreneurship in areas such as agriculture, ICT, and education.
In closing, Senator Natasha assured the Minister of Women Affairs of the collective support from her female colleagues and male counterparts in advocating for the prioritization of critical issues affecting women. These issues include girl child education, combating rape and violence against women, promoting gender equity in politics and corporate spaces, addressing child marriage, and creating opportunities for female entrepreneurs. The senator pledged to collaborate in appropriating the budget and engaging with other MDAs to ensure the successful implementation of initiatives aimed at improving the well-being of women in Nigeria.
