President Tinubu calls for unity to tackle maternal mortality, as RenewHER launches

By Kunle Sanni –

President Bola Tinubu has called maternal mortality “a shame against which we must all unite,” affirming his administration’s commitment to improving the health and welfare of Nigerian women.

Speaking at the launch of RenewHER, the Presidential Women’s Health Transformation Initiative, Thursday night at the Presidential Villa in Abuja, Tinubu—represented by Vice President Kashim Shettima—highlighted that the program aims to reduce maternal deaths, empower women, and strengthen the country’s healthcare system.

“We owe every girl-child not only the promise of a brighter future but the assurance of a healthier one,” the President said, emphasizing that women’s health is vital to Nigeria’s social and economic progress.

The initiative, which establishes a Presidential focal office on women’s health, will collaborate with the Federal Ministry of Health, Ministry of Women Affairs, the State-Wide Approach Coordination Office, and the Governors’ Spouses Forum to prioritize maternal and women’s health across all states and communities.

RenewHER also features the launch of an AI-powered National Women’s Health Digital Hub designed to deliver geo-targeted campaigns on maternal survival, adolescent health, preventive care, and healthcare workforce development. This platform will connect women to credible health information and link healthcare with entrepreneurship opportunities.

Tinubu stated the program will support ongoing national efforts such as MAMII and align with international development partners. He pledged that his administration will serve as “both umbrella and catalyst” until RenewHER achieves measurable outcomes.

First Lady of Kwara State and Chairperson of the Nigeria Governors’ Spouses Forum, Prof. Olufolake AbdulRazaq, committed the forum’s support, while UN Women’s Country Representative, Ms. Beatrice Eyong, praised RenewHER as a “bold initiative” marking a pivotal moment in recognizing women’s health as a key driver of socio-economic development.

The launch was attended by senior government officials, governors’ wives, diplomats, and other dignitaries.