Nigeria’s House of Representatives has described the persistent rise in maternal mortality across the country as unacceptable, stressing the need for urgent interventions to reverse the trend.
Chairman of the House Committee on Health Services, Amos Magaji raised the concern in Kaduna while assessing the utilisation of Basic Healthcare Provision Fund.
Speaking during the visit, Magaji commended Kaduna State for consistently allocating over 15 percent of its annual budget to the health sector in line with the Abuja Declaration, adding that timely cash releases reflect the government’s seriousness in healthcare financing.
He also praised Kaduna for ranking among the top states in healthcare delivery in recent years, but emphasised that maternal mortality remains a pressing national challenge.
The State Deputy Governor, Hadiza Balarabe commended the lawmakers for embarking on the assessment tour, noting that such oversight is vital for accountability and improved health outcomes.
She assured that the state will continue to prioritise the health of citizens as it is the key to sustainable development.
According to Balarabe, the visit underscores the shared responsibility between state governments and the National Assembly in building a stronger healthcare system for Nigerians.
