The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a groundbreaking initiative to provide free cesarean sections for economically disadvantaged and vulnerable women nationwide, aiming to address Nigeria’s high maternal and newborn mortality rates.
This effort, called the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), was officially launched by the Federal Ministry of Health during the Joint Annual Health Review (JAR) event on Thursday in Abuja.
Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, described the initiative as a vital step in reducing the mortality rates of mothers and infants across the country.
MAMII will offer free cesarean section services through both public and private healthcare facilities registered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). This approach ensures that these essential services reach the nation’s most underserved communities.
“Maternal mortality remains unacceptably high in Nigeria, with 172 local government areas contributing to over 50% of maternal deaths,” Prof. Pate said. He highlighted that by concentrating resources on these high-burden areas, MAMII could significantly impact maternal health.
In addition, the NHIA, in cooperation with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and State Health Insurance Agencies (SHIAs), will manage the reimbursement process for these services, supporting healthcare providers in delivering care sustainably.
Community health workers will play a critical role in this initiative, particularly in areas where medical infrastructure is limited. This is aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent commitment to recruit 120,000 additional health workers, bolstering Nigeria’s primary healthcare system.
The government’s ambitious plan is expected to provide a lifeline to countless families, who may otherwise be unable to afford essential maternal care.
Through targeted action and a collaborative approach, the government hopes to reduce maternal and infant mortality, ultimately improving health outcomes for women and children nationwide.
