First Lady Seeks Media Support For MDGs

ABUJA - The First Lady, Mrs Patience Jonathan, has solicited the support of the media in realising the objectives of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs 4-6a).


The MDG 4-6a, aims to reduce by two-thirds under-five mortality rate, reduce by three quarters maternal mortality ratio and combat HIV and AIDS respectively, between 1990 and 2015.


Jonathan made the call at an interactive dinner organised by her office in Abuja on Tuesday for media executives and members of the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).


She said that her call became important because members of the guild had key roles to place in ensuring the success of the health programme of the government, aimed at enhancing the well being of the people.


the occasion was also to inform the Guild members about the Integrated Health Programme, an arm of the Women for Change and Development Initiative, the pet project of the First Lady..


She said: “the UN Report of June 2010 ranks Nigeria among countries that have not made significant progress in the reduction of maternal and child mortality.


“Nigeria currently contributes up to 30 per cent of the global burden of mother-to-child transmission. In our resolve to address these challenges it becomes important to build bridges for alliances and partnerships with strategic institutions such as the media.


“This is in recognition of the enormous power and influence of the media as a vital agency for public education, social mobilisation and change. And I have invited you here to seek your collaboration on this initiative. ’’


The First Lady said that the Integrated Health Program would among other things, promote access to and advocate improved budgetary allocation to maternal, child health and promote accountability in the nation’s health system.


The President’s wife added that to attain the desired success, she would undertake advocacy meetings with federal legislators, governors and their wives, media, Local Government chairmen, the private sector and other policy makers.


“That is why I have requested your attention today so that I can share with you this new platform of intervention in the general effort to extend to the women and children of our country, opportunities to improve their health status.


“It is on this premise that I hereby seek your partnership in making this programme a resounding success. I urge you to deploy your skills and influence to mobilise attention, acceptance and patronage of the services that will be made available under this programme. ’’


Dr Mohammed Pate, the Minister of State for Health, commended the First Lady for her “leadership role and for helping the defenceless in the society”, urging media executives to assist the first lady to promote the health of the people in the country.


He recalled with delight that “ in 2002, there were 11 sites for prevention-of-mother-to-child transmission but today there are more than 684 facilities, Nigeria has made significant progress but the work is far from being advanced. ’’


Earlier during the session, the Director-General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, told the media men that the agency planned to decentralise programmes from the towns to the rural areas

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