As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to mark World Safe Motherhood Day in line with the theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures,” stakeholders want couples to plan their homes as no woman should die giving birth.
The Challenge Initiative, TCI, on it part says, Nigeria is celebrating a quiet but powerful revolution safeguarding the lives of mothers and children, the rise in access to family planning (FP) and childbirth spacing services across the country.
The Challenge Initiative (TCI) a Non- Governmental Organization—is a proven model that has put local governments in the driver’s seat to sustainably scale reproductive health solutions.
In partnership with over twelve state governments, TCI, has supported the Nigerian government in making motherhood safer, families healthier and futures brighter.
“It says, Safe motherhood starts before the first contraction — it begins with informed choices, timely access to family planning, and a community that supports women at every step of their reproductive journey.
In an interview, the Country Team Lead, TCI Nigeria Dr. Taiwo Johnson says, “What we are seeing in Nigeria today is a bold move from awareness to action, from promises to programmes that truly save lives.”
TCI over the years according to him has empowered state governments to take ownership, scale up interventions, and drive impact across more states with an expanded reach that now includes both urban and underserved rural areas.
He explained that in all, Policy, progress and state-by-state success stories are
across Nigeria and states are translating family planning commitments into visible progress.
Dr. Johnson pointed out that, through government leadership, community engagement, youth-centred services, and strategic partnerships, there are growing signs of impact.
” The good thing is that, health facilities are experiencing increased client trust, local governments are mobilizing resources to reach more communities, and advocacy efforts are helping to reshape public perceptions—particularly through youth engagement, male involvement, and outreach to underserved populations “. He said
He stated that, even in complex humanitarian settings, family planning is being integrated with maternal health services, ensuring that care continues.
Johnson explained further, that despite the encouraging gains, much more still needed to be done, because progress is not yet uniform and there are gaps in access, quality, and equity persists.
He urged all implementing states to sustain momentum by strengthening service delivery, expand access to marginalized groups, and address lingering myths and barriers.
To truly fulfill the promise of reproductive health and rights for all, Johnson said, “no one should be left behind” noting that, continued investment, political will and community-driven actions are critical to ensuring that family planning services reach every woman, man, and young person who needs them—no matter where they live.
He pointed out that, a new standard of care for mothers and newborns was necessary because every year, Nigeria loses thousands of women to pregnancy-related complications — many of which are preventable through proper spacing and voluntary family planning.
Efforts by TCI shows that when women have access to safe, affordable, and culturally appropriate FP services, maternal mortality drops, newborn outcomes improve, and families thrive. He stated.
The path to safe motherhood is not just paved in hospitals. It starts with conversation, choice, and community support,” says Onche Odeh, Project Lead at Development Communications Network.
Odeh believe that, Looking ahead: hope made real as the 2025 theme emphasizes, “Healthy Beginnings” — like timely birth spacing — are key to unlocking “Hopeful Futures.”
TCI’s support according to Odeh has proven that states can lead their own reproductive health transformations.
With growing political will, sustainable funding, and grassroots engagement, Nigeria is closer than ever to making safe motherhood not just a goal — but a guarantee.- he stated
