FG declares free cesarean sections for Nigerian girls to deal with maternal mortality
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, introduced that Cesarean sections will now be offered freed from cost to all Nigerian girls in want.
The announcement was made in Abuja on Thursday on the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), in the course of the ongoing Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for well being.
Prof. Pate defined that the initiative, a part of the brand new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) mission, ” Under the initiative, cesarean sections and important maternal care could be offered freed from cost to eligible girls throughout the nation.
“The new policy is designed to ensure that women who need C-sections—either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries—can access the procedure without financial obstacles.”
“The initiatives may also deal with Nigeria’s excessive maternal and neonatal mortality charges by bettering entry to high quality healthcare, enhancing major well being care (PHC) companies, and rising group engagement, “he defined.
Addressing excessive mortality charges by way of group engagement
Pate emphasised that the initiative targets Nigeria’s excessive maternal and neonatal mortality charges, at the moment standing at 512 deaths per 100,000 reside births and 41 deaths per 1,000 reside births, respectively, together with a low uptake of important well being companies.
“The Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative would primarily concentrate on native authorities areas reporting over 50 p.c of maternal deaths, as many ladies face obstacles akin to lack of expertise, spousal consent, and monetary challenges.
“The initiative, supported by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aims to make life-saving procedures like cesarean sections accessible to women in need without the burden of cost,” he mentioned.
International and native assist for MAMII
Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organization (WHO) nation consultant in Nigeria, praised the initiative, underscoring the significance of efficient implementation.
“No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section. If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way,” Mulombo said.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, counseled Prof. Pate’s method, calling it a significant step towards Nigeria’s maternal well being targets and advancing common healthcare protection. She highlighted that the success of MAMII depends on the energetic involvement of communities, healthcare suppliers, and authorities businesses.
Charting a path for well being sector reform
The three-day Joint Annual Review occasion, the place MAMII was launched, may also set priorities for the subsequent section of Nigeria’s well being sector reforms.
Leaders and stakeholders will discover options to ongoing challenges within the healthcare system, aiming to foster accountability, inclusivity, and sustainable progress.
