Improving Lifesaving Care: CIHP Partners with Federal Ministry of Health to Promote Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm and Low-Birth-Weight Babies

31 Oct Improving Lifesaving Care: CIHP Partners with Federal Ministry of Health to Promote Kangaroo Mother Care for Preterm and Low-Birth-Weight Babies

CIHP, in collaboration with the Newborn Unit of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, is advancing efforts to promote Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC), a proven, lifesaving intervention for preterm and low-birth-weight infants.

Under the Gates Foundation-funded project, Accelerating MNCH Innovations, CIHP supported the development of Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials on KMC to raise awareness among health facilities and communities. To validate the materials, CIHP and the Ministry convened a three-day stakeholder review meeting, bringing together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, pediatricians, neonatologists, public health experts, and development partners.

The collaborative review ensures the IEC materials are technically accurate, culturally appropriate, and aligned with the World Health Organization’s standards as well as Nigeria’s national KMC guidelines. Once finalized, they will serve as key tools for promoting consistent practice of KMC across the country.