The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has announced that Nigerian women in need will now have access to free Cesarean sections (CS) as part of a new initiative aimed at reducing maternal mortality. This announcement was made on Thursday through the official X account of the Presidential Media Team, with details provided by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, during the Joint Annual Review (JAR) conference.
Prof. Pate shared that this initiative falls under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, a major government program focused on improving maternal and neonatal health. “This initiative is part of the new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project,” Pate stated, emphasizing the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare for women across the country.
The move comes as Nigeria faces ongoing health challenges, including a maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. Prof. Pate pointed out that these high rates are partially due to limited access to quality healthcare services, especially for essential maternal and neonatal care. The MAMII project aims to lower these rates by improving healthcare accessibility, strengthening primary healthcare (PHC) systems, and fostering community engagement in healthcare services.
The government’s focus on improving maternal health is expected to make a substantial difference, especially for low-income women who face financial barriers to accessing safe delivery options. The free CS initiative is one of the critical measures designed to prevent maternal deaths due to childbirth complications. Prof. Pate emphasized that by improving maternal health outcomes, the initiative aims to contribute to a healthier future for Nigerian families and communities.
Through the MAMII program, the government is also expected to work closely with primary healthcare facilities across the nation, ensuring these facilities have the resources and training necessary to provide quality care. The initiative encourages community involvement to boost awareness and understanding of maternal health services, which can help increase the uptake of these essential health services.
This initiative is part of a larger effort by the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare to address Nigeria’s significant health challenges and ensure that every woman has safe access to life-saving care during childbirth. With MAMII, the government hopes to see a significant improvement in maternal and neonatal health across the country.
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