The initiative focuses on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and prioritizes access to essential healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
As part of the Federal Government’s commitment to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, Minister of Health, Ali Pate, announced a comprehensive healthcare policy that will provide free Caesarean sections to women across the country.
Pate made the announcement during the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Sector Wide Approaches to Health (SWAp) in Abuja. The initiative focuses on improving maternal and newborn health outcomes and prioritizes access to essential healthcare, especially in underserved areas.
“This is another attempt to reduce maternal mortality in the country,” Pate said. “No woman should lose her life because she cannot afford a Caesarean section.”
The policy aims to reduce economic barriers for women who need a Caesarean section for reasons such as emergency complications or planned birth. It aims to strengthen primary health care and increase community engagement in maternal health.
The initiative is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO). Walter Mulombo, WHO Representative in Nigeria, stressed the importance of effective implementation.
“If this initiative is implemented correctly, it will be successful. We are here to support every step of the way,” Mulombo explained. During the event, Pate also appealed to Nigerians to hold government accountable for ensuring accessible and quality healthcare in line with President Tinubu’s key healthcare reforms.