First Lady of Nigeria, Dr. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari has commended United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) over its commitment to RMNCAH+N. She expressed happiness that the agency has lived up to its billing concerning the health of women and children across the world. She was speaking during a courtesy call by officials of UNFPA led by Assistant Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Director UNFPA, Dr. Natalia Kanem, on Thursday 25th November 2021, at the State House, Abuja.
Mrs. Buhari addressed UNFPA as worthy partners for sharing in the strategic vision of Future Assured in advancing the agenda of Reproductive, Maternal, Neonatal, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N).
“With this support”, she said, “we have in the past 6 years achieved numerous successes, especially in bridging some of the gaps limiting the delivery of comprehensive and quality RMNCAH+N services.”
She made reference to the recent celebration of the 6th anniversary of Future Assured where successes, challenges, and lessons learnt were enumerated as part of an accountability obligation. Although much has been achieved, she said, more needs to be done.
Mrs. Buhari also informed the United Nations delegation of her recent election as President of African First Ladies Peace Mission (AFLPM) which, she said, comes with the greater responsibility of leading African First Ladies to contribute to peace and development in the continent. She called for the support of the international community in this regard.
Earlier, the Executive Director, Dr. Natalia Kanem said she was in Nigeria as part of the celebration of the annual 16 days of activism against gender-based violence, saying the figures indicate we are not out of the woods yet, but it is encouraging to see that the death rates are reduced and moving downwards. She commended the First Lady for cascading her programmes through the states’ First Ladies to reach the grassroots.
The Executive Director was accompanied by the Regional Director of UNFPA, Dr. Argentina Matavel, and Nigeria Country Representative, Dr. Ulla Mueller. The Meeting was also attended by the Hon. Minister of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen.