AREWA24, a Hausa-language family entertainment and lifestyle television network in Nigeria, has launched a new programme, ‘Uwa Da Da’, aimed at improving maternal, newborn and child health and helping to reduce infant mortality across northern Nigeria.
The programme, which premiered on Saturday, 3 October 2026, focuses on mothers, babies and the critical journey from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood. It airs every Saturday from 7pm to 7.30pm on the AREWA24 television network.
The launch comes amid persistent maternal, newborn and child health challenges in Nigeria, particularly in northern communities, where mortality rates remain high.
According to the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), 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 NDHS data also showed an under-five mortality rate of 187 deaths per 1,000 live births in the North-west, compared with 62 per 1,000 in the South-west.
Speaking on the programme’s objectives, Aisha Lawal, AREWA24’s Director of Studio Production, said: “For many women, pregnancy and motherhood can be accompanied by uncertainty, fear and misinformation. Uwa Da Da places particular emphasis on supporting first-time mothers by providing clear, practical, and culturally relevant information to help them understand what to expect before, during, and after childbirth. The show will create a platform where mothers can hear directly from qualified health professionals and other mothers, while learning about important issues including pregnancy nutrition, antenatal care, birth preparedness, breastfeeding, newborn danger signs, immunization and postnatal wellbeing.”
Uwa Da Da seeks to use television’s reach and accessibility to provide practical health information that enables mothers to make informed decisions about their wellbeing and that of their babies.
A key objective of the programme is to encourage pregnant women, particularly expectant and first-time mothers, to begin antenatal care (ANC) early in pregnancy and maintain regular contact with qualified healthcare professionals throughout pregnancy.
The Chief Executive Officer of AREWA24 TV Network, Celestine Umeibe, said: “Uwa Da Da (“Mother and Child”), reflects AREWA24’s commitment to producing content that informs, educates and entertains while addressing issues that directly affect families and communities across Northern Nigeria and beyond.
“The program combines human-interest stories, expert advice, practical demonstrations and conversations with mothers and families to make maternal and newborn health information engaging, relatable and actionable. The goal of the “Uwa Da” is not to replace professional healthcare, but to encourage mothers and families to seek, understand and use available healthcare services at the right time,” he said.
Through Hausa-language conversations, real-life stories and expert-led discussions, the programme will seek to demystify pregnancy and childbirth while reinforcing the importance of early antenatal care and attendance at recommended appointments.
It will also educate mothers and families on following professional medical advice, recognising pregnancy and newborn danger signs, seeking urgent medical attention when necessary, and keeping up with newborn immunisation and other recommended healthcare services.
By combining culturally relevant communication with expert guidance, AREWA24 aims to make essential maternal and newborn health information more accessible to families across northern Nigeria.
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