Hussaini Ibrahim 
JALINGO, Nigeria – Twenty women graduate as “Big Sisters” under a targeted maternal health programme aimed at reducing deaths among adolescent girls in Taraba State, officials say.
The beneficiaries, drawn from 20 wards across Lau and Zing local government areas, complete a four-day intensive training on sexual and reproductive health education.
The initiative, led by the Federal Government in partnership with West and Central Africa Health Option Ltd/GTE and the Taraba State Government, targets vulnerable communities with high maternal mortality rates.
Nigeria continues to face a significant maternal health burden, with Taraba among the most affected states, according to health authorities.
“You are expected to bridge the gap between parents and adolescent girls by providing accurate and comprehensive sexual and reproductive health education,” says Dr Tukura Nuhu, Executive Secretary of the Taraba State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
Programme coordinator Ibrahim Sheye says the intervention is designed to save lives, particularly among adolescent girls who face higher risks due to poor access to reliable health information.
“Many maternal deaths occur among adolescent girls due to unsafe practices and lack of correct information,” he says.
The trained “Big Sisters” are expected to mentor young girls, build trust, and refer complex cases to health facilities.
The pilot programme is currently active in eight states, including Benue, Enugu, Akwa Ibom, Ondo, Ekiti, Kebbi, Taraba and Zamfara.
Participants receive training on menstruation, contraception, sexually transmitted infections, gender-based violence and youth-friendly health services.
Beneficiaries say the programme has equipped them with critical knowledge to improve health outcomes in their communities.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Koko Maxwella 