FG announces free caesarean section to combat maternal, neonatal mortality

• The federal government has announced free caesarean section for women across Nigeria
• The initiative aims to tackle the high rate of maternal and neo-natal mortality
• The WHO lauded the initiative and the potential it holds if effectively implemented

The Federal Government has announced free caesarean section (C-section) for women across Nigeria to combat maternal and neonatal mortality.

Minister of Health and Social Welfare Ali Pate made the announcement in Abuja on Thursday, November 7, at the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) during the ongoing Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the sector-wide approach (SWAp) for health.

Pate said the initiative is aimed at improving access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns, particularly focusing on primary health services and community involvement.

With Nigeria’s maternal and neonatal mortality rates ranking high globally, Pate said the new policy will ensure that women who need C-sections, either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries, can access them without financial restraints.

The minister said the initiative will ensure that essential maternal healthcare services are taken to underserved communities across the country

He said, “Nigeria continues to face significant health challenges, with maternal mortality at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births.

“The country also has a low uptake of essential health services.

“MAMII aims to reduce these rates by improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening primary health care (PHC) services and fostering greater community engagement in healthcare initiatives.”

“The resources are available. This is in further effort to reduce maternal mortality in the country. No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”

WHO lauds initiative

The World Health Organisation (WHO), which has been at the forefront of championing maternal and child health and welfare, lauded the initiative.

The Country Representative of WHO in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, noted the importance of the initiative if effectively implemented.

“If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We are here to support every step of the way,” Mulombo said.

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