Mrs Saraki Lauds Group over 43% reduction in maternal mortality
Fatimah Abdullahi
Wife of the Nigeria Senate President, Mrs. Toyin Saraki has commended the leadership of the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria (WRAN) for its contributions towards the global reduction of maternal mortality by 43 per cent.
Mrs Saraki who made the remarks while inaugurating the new board of WRAN in Abuja, according to a statement by her Press Office, also commended the White Ribbon Alliance for Safe Motherhood for its efforts towards ensuring Respectful Maternity Care and improved maternity in Nigeria.
The wife of the Senate President who has been a long-standing member of the WRAN is also the Founder of the Wellbeing Foundation Africa and inaugural WRAN Board Chair said:
“The impact of the White Ribbon Alliance globally has been outstanding. Since we began our work, global maternal mortality has dropped by 43%. Our strategic programmes and advocacy have persuaded governments to prioritise and commit resources to saving the lives of women and children.
“As we move into the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) era, the White Ribbon Alliance’s work is needed more than ever. Securing the right for all women, in all areas, to be safe and healthy before, during, and after childbirth, under the remit of Sustainable Development Goal 3 is crucial to achieving health and wellbeing for all, at all ages.
“I look forward to moving this agenda forward with you, as Grand Patron, and working closely with the Board and its Chair in developing the strategies to further our work in Nigeria,” she stated.
The statement added that, “Having supported and hosted the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria since its inception, and as the pioneer Chair of the WRAN Board, Mrs. Saraki expressed the need for further efforts to be made to provide Respectful Maternity Care and support for Internally Displaced Persons and mothers living in settings of conflict, displacement, and natural disasters.
“As the International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) Global Goodwill Ambassador, Mrs Saraki continues to advocate for increased investment in skilled midwives, trained in communications, who can ensure that mothers are heard, informed, and empowered – even in the midst of crisis.
“Mrs. Toyin Saraki was elected Chair of the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria Board in February of 2012, with Hadiza Aminu Dorayi from Save the Children elected as secretary and Dr. Benjamin Anyene as Vice Chair. Mrs Saraki is now the Grand Patron of the White Ribbon Alliance Nigeria”, the statement noted.