In a bold move to combat Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rates, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, announced on Thursday that cesarean sections will be free for all Nigerian women who require them. The landmark initiative, revealed at the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, forms part of the newly launched “Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative” (MAMII), a nationwide effort to lower maternal and newborn death rates.
An announcement on the Federal Ministry of Health’s X handle underscored the profound impact of this policy, quoting Minister Pate: “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.” The initiative, he said, is intended to make critical maternal healthcare accessible for Nigeria’s most vulnerable women, ensuring they can receive care through public and accredited private facilities under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA).
The Joint Annual Health Review, which gathers healthcare experts and policymakers, aims to assess and address key challenges within Nigeria’s healthcare system. By focusing resources on 172 local government areas where over half of maternal deaths occur, the MAMII initiative seeks to drive immediate improvements in these high-burden zones.
The implementation of free cesarean sections is just one part of the strategy. Pate outlined the importance of community health workers in generating demand for maternal services and educating families about antenatal care. In line with President Tinubu’s plan to deploy 120,000 additional healthcare workers across Nigeria, these efforts are crucial to bolstering primary care in underserved regions.
“By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost,” Pate emphasised. He acknowledged the instrumental support of development partners, whose resources and expertise align with Nigeria’s health priorities, adding that their dedication exemplifies a shared commitment to health equity.
The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative represents a significant step forward in Nigeria’s pursuit of health equity. “Through demand generation, expanded primary and emergency care, and the removal of financial barriers, we are advancing a healthcare system that is truly accessible, affordable, and effective for all Nigerians,” Pate stated, urging governors, healthcare leaders, and community members to support the programme.
This ambitious initiative marks a pivotal moment in Nigeria’s journey toward ensuring that every mother and child can access the life-saving care they deserve.
