In a groundbreaking move to reduce child and maternal mortality rates, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a $1 billion funding facility aimed at supporting all 36 states in tackling these pressing health challenges. The announcement was made on Monday by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, during the flag-off of the Co-Creation Workshop on the Ogun State Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) in Abeokuta.
Dr. Pate revealed that the $1 billion facility will incentivize states to make substantial progress in reducing child and maternal deaths. He explained that the fund will be used to enhance key areas like governance, healthcare workforce, and antenatal care, with states receiving incentive payments based on their successes in these domains. “Our focus is clear: to achieve measurable results that save lives,” Pate emphasized.
As part of this comprehensive strategy, the Federal Government is also investing in the upgrade of 774 healthcare facilities nationwide. These centers will be equipped to provide free treatment for emergency obstetric complications, making them crucial points of care for mothers and newborns in need.
The Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, which President Bola Tinubu launched last week, is at the heart of these efforts. Dr. Pate underscored the significance of this national initiative, pointing out that improving maternal and newborn health directly contributes to the country’s long-term development.
However, Pate also acknowledged the diversity of Nigeria and the need for localized solutions. He urged state governments to tailor their programs to their unique challenges and circumstances. Key factors such as maternal education, nutrition, and emergency transportation, including the availability of ambulances, will play a vital role in reducing mortality rates.
Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State, represented by Deputy Governor Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised the MAMII initiative as a testament to the state’s commitment to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes. He revealed that two local government areas in the state – Ijebu North East and Ado-Odo/Ota – currently experience maternal mortality rates above the national average of 194 deaths per 100,000 births.
Abiodun reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to improving maternal and child health, citing the increase in Ogun State’s health sector budget, the employment of over 800 healthcare professionals, and the provision of 80 tricycles for emergency transport services in rural areas.
As Ogun State begins implementing MAMII, Abiodun called on all stakeholders to embrace innovation, collaboration, and data-driven strategies to achieve a significant reduction in maternal and newborn mortality.
Dr. Tomi Coker, Ogun State’s Commissioner for Health, also spoke at the workshop, emphasizing the importance of collective efforts to create evidence-based solutions that will save lives. She urged participants to approach the initiative with fresh perspectives and a commitment to finding actionable strategies to reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
This initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s fight against child and maternal mortality, with the $1 billion funding acting as a catalyst for change. The federal government’s commitment to improving healthcare, alongside state-level collaborations, promises a brighter, healthier future for Nigerian mothers and children.
