On this special occasion of Mother’s Day, we at Zaks Foundation for Humanity extend our heartfelt admiration and gratitude to Nigerian, African, and mothers all over the world. Today, we take a moment to celebrate their unwavering strength, boundless love, and relentless resilience. Mothers are the bedrock of our societies, the unsung heroes who nurture future generations despite facing immense challenges. Their virtues and sacrifices inspire us every day, and it is crucial that we, as a global community, acknowledge and support their invaluable contributions.
Unfortunately, the state of maternal and child health in Nigeria, Africa, and across the globe remains alarming. Statistics from the World Health Organization (WHO) show that Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality rate of 53.674 deaths per 1000 live births in 2024. The situation is similarly dire across many parts of Africa, where an estimated 196,000 maternal deaths occurred in 2020, accounting for about 68% of all maternal deaths worldwide.
Child mortality rates are equally concerning. In Nigeria, the under-five mortality rate stands at 54.740 deaths per 1000 live births in 2023. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to have the highest child mortality rate in the world, with one in 13 children dying before their fifth birthday. Globally, progress in reducing maternal and child mortality has stagnated, and in some regions, the situation is getting worse, exacerbated by poverty, inadequate healthcare infrastructure, and the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
At Zaks Foundation for Humanity, we place women and children at the forefront of our activities and programs. Our mission is to create a safer, healthier, and more equitable world for mothers and their children, and we have made significant strides in this endeavor.
1. Nutritional Assistance Program (NAP):
Through our Nutritional Assistance Program, we have impacted the lives of over 8,000 households in north-central Nigeria. By providing essential nutritional support, we aim to combat malnutrition and improve the health and well-being of mothers and their children.
2. Community Health for Adolescents and Reproductive Mothers (CHARM):
Under our CHARM initiative, we have reached over 60,000 mothers and over 30,000 malnourished children. This program focuses on promoting reproductive health, providing maternal care, and addressing the nutritional needs of children, ensuring they have a healthy start to life.
Several communities are faced with poverty, destitution and significant Reproductive Health (RH) problems such as unwanted/unplanned pregnancy and HIV/AIDS. We provide quality, low cost and easily accessible reproductive health care to women that are in their reproductive years. We also carry out outreaches in communities in order to reduce misconception of reproductive health issues as well as provide a resource material for addressing such issues in the communities.
3. Creating Awareness on Malaria Prevention and Control (CAMP-C):
Malaria remains a significant health challenge in many parts of Africa. Through our CAMP-C program, we have distributed Long Lasting Treated Mosquito Nets to more than 8,000 households, helping to protect families from this deadly disease.
4. Menstrual Health Hygiene Awareness:
Menstrual health is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of women’s health. Our awareness campaigns have reached more than 10,000 schoolgirls in rural communities, educating them about menstrual hygiene and providing the necessary supplies to manage their periods with dignity.
5. Resilience for Agricultural Innovation and Development (RAID):
Agriculture is a vital source of livelihood for many women in Nigeria. Through our RAID program, we have supported more than 30,000 smallholder farmers, many of whom are women. By providing training, resources, and innovative agricultural practices, we empower these women to achieve food security and economic independence.
As we celebrate the remarkable contributions of mothers, we must also recognize the urgent need to improve their health and well-being. The alarming statistics on maternal and child mortality highlight the critical work that lies ahead. At Zaks Foundation for Humanity, we are committed to making a difference, but we cannot do it alone. We call upon national and international partners to join us in our efforts to create a better and safer world for mothers.
On this Mother’s Day, we express our deepest gratitude to all mothers for their unwavering strength, love, and resilience. It is our hope that the world will henceforth accord them the concern, care, and support they deserve. Let us unite in our efforts to support and uplift mothers everywhere, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities they need to thrive. Together, we can make a lasting impact and build a brighter future for generations to come.
Happy Mother’s Day from Zaks Foundation for Humanity!
This article was authored by A.S Aliyu. Chairman of Zaks Foundation for Humanity.
