Abuja Teaching Hospital Receives Maternal and Newborn Care Upgrade

By Atlantic Reports

The University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) has received renovated maternal and newborn care facilities and donated medical equipment from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

The intervention, handed over on Wednesday in Gwagwalada, covered the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit and labour ward, including washroom improvements.

Chief Medical Director Prof. Thairu Yunusa said the upgraded facilities would support the hospital’s efforts to improve care for women and children and reduce maternal and infant deaths.

He described access to medical equipment and diagnostic tools as essential to strengthening healthcare delivery, particularly in gynaecology, maternal health and paediatrics.

“What we call the reduction in maternal and infant mortality can be achieved with this equipment,” he said.

The anticipated improvement is an expected benefit of the intervention. No figures showing changes in mortality or other patient outcomes were presented at the handover.

Support for Mothers and Newborns

Christian Chigbundu, a counsellor in the church’s Africa West Area, said the project sought to provide safer delivery conditions and better access to essential care.

He said the renovations and equipment were expected to benefit more than 3,500 people annually. That figure is a projection, rather than a count of patients already served through the upgraded facilities.

Chigbundu said voluntary donations from church members around the world, including Nigeria, funded the project.

He described the intervention as an expression of the church’s commitment to caring for vulnerable people and supporting families.

“Healthy mothers and healthy babies strengthen families. Strong families strengthen communities, and strong communities build a strong nation,” he said.

The handover account did not provide the project’s cost, a detailed equipment inventory or information about any additional staff training associated with the donation.

Maintenance and Continued Use

Yunusa assured the church that the hospital would maintain the renovated facilities and equipment for patients’ continued benefit.

Chigbundu also urged management and medical personnel to protect the investment and sustain its use.

For mothers and newborns, the lasting value of the intervention will depend on functioning equipment, consistent maintenance and the hospital’s capacity to deliver timely care.

Yunusa also outlined administrative digitalisation efforts at UATH, including electronic processes and an integrated email system. He said these were intended to speed up requests, improve departmental coordination and reduce reliance on paper.

He called for further support from organisations and members of the public to strengthen the hospital’s services.

The donation adds to UATH’s maternal and newborn care infrastructure. Its effect on patient safety and survival will need to be assessed through service delivery and clinical outcomes over time.

Atlantic Reports: Voices. People. Facts.