The Federal Ministry of Health has launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), providing free cesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women across Nigeria. The program was unveiled during the ministry’s Joint Annual Health Review (JAR) in Abuja.
Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the initiative as a critical effort to lower maternal and newborn mortality nationwide. MAMII will provide coverage for cesarean services at both public and private facilities enlisted by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
Maternal mortality rates remain alarmingly high in Nigeria, with 172 local governments accounting for more than half of maternal deaths. By concentrating resources on these high-burden areas, MAMII aims to address the greatest needs. The NHIA, along with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and State Health Insurance Agencies (SHIAs), will oversee reimbursements to ensure the program’s sustainability.
Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of community health workers in this mission, aligning with President Bola Tinubu’s initiative to recruit an additional 120,000 health workers to strengthen primary healthcare across the country.
