New AREWA24 Programme Targets Maternal Health Crisis, Seeks To Save Mothers And Babies

AREWA24, a leading Hausa-language family entertainment and lifestyle television network, has launched a new programme, Uwa Da Da, aimed at promoting maternal health and reducing infant mortality across Northern Nigeria.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the programme comes amid persistent challenges relating to maternal, newborn and child survival in Nigeria, particularly in northern communities where health outcomes remain a major concern.

Figures from the 2023–2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey indicate that Nigeria recorded an infant mortality rate of 63 deaths per 1,000 live births, while neonatal mortality stood at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. Earlier survey data also showed that the under-five mortality rate in the Northwest was 187 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared with 62 per 1,000 in the Southwest.

AREWA24’s Director of Studio Production, Aisha Lawal, said the programme was designed to help women navigate pregnancy and motherhood by providing clear, practical and culturally relevant health information.

Lawal explained that Uwa Da Da would pay particular attention to first-time mothers, many of whom may experience uncertainty, fear and misinformation before and after childbirth.

She said the programme would provide opportunities for mothers to learn directly from qualified healthcare professionals and share experiences with other women.

Topics to be covered include pregnancy nutrition, antenatal care, preparation for childbirth, breastfeeding, newborn danger signs, immunisation and postnatal wellbeing.

The programme, whose title translates to “Mother and Child,” is dedicated to supporting women throughout pregnancy, childbirth and early childhood. It airs every Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. on the AREWA24 television network.

One of its major objectives is to encourage pregnant women, particularly expectant and first-time mothers, to begin antenatal care early and maintain regular contact with qualified healthcare professionals throughout pregnancy.

AREWA24 Chief Executive Officer Celestine Umeibe said the initiative reflected the network’s commitment to producing content that informs, educates and entertains while addressing issues affecting families and communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond.

Umeibe explained that the programme would combine real-life stories, expert advice, practical demonstrations and conversations with mothers and families to make maternal and newborn health information accessible, engaging and useful.

He stressed that the programme was not intended to replace professional medical care but to encourage women and their families to understand and make proper use of available healthcare services.

Through Hausa-language discussions and expert-led sessions, Uwa Da Da is expected to improve awareness of the importance of early antenatal visits, regular medical appointments, adherence to professional advice and recognition of warning signs that require urgent attention.

The programme will also promote newborn immunisation and other recommended healthcare services as part of broader efforts to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Northern Nigeria.