In a bold move to advance public health, the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) has launched three landmark initiatives aimed at safeguarding the well-being of Nigerians, particularly women and children: Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health + Nutrition (MNCH+N) Initiative, NAFDAC Office of Women and Children’s Health (NOWCH), and the National Action Plan on Prevention, Detection, and Response to Substandard and Falsified Medical Products (2023–2027).
Speaking at the launch, NAFDAC Director-General, Prof. Mojisola Adeyeye, described the event as a defining moment in Nigeria’s effort to ensure access to safe, effective, and high-quality medical products and nutrition interventions. She emphasized that the three initiatives serve as interconnected pillars, reflecting the agency’s commitment to protecting the most vulnerable populations.
Through the Office of Women and Children’s Health (NOWCH), NAFDAC plans to promote safe motherhood, rational use of medicines, and breastfeeding while tackling challenges such as drug misuse and unsafe cosmetic products. The office will also support local production of pediatric medicines and menstrual hygiene products in collaboration with government ministries, NGOs, and the private sector.
The MNCH+N Initiative will focus on reducing maternal and child mortality and addressing malnutrition by strengthening the regulation of nutrition commodities and enforcing breastfeeding-friendly policies. Partnerships with global organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, and GAIN are expected to enhance sustainable health and nutrition outcomes nationwide.
Meanwhile, the National Action Plan on Substandard and Falsified Medical Products provides a coordinated framework to prevent, detect, and respond to unsafe medicines in Nigeria. The plan aims to mobilize national and international stakeholders to protect public health, strengthen supply chains, and foster accountability within the healthcare system.
