Nigeria Announces Free Cesarean Sections (C-section) as Part of Maternal Health Initiative
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Federal Government has introduced a new initiative offering free Cesarean sections (C-sections) for women in need of the surgery. This announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, during the second day of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) conference in Abuja. He emphasized that no woman should lose her life due to the inability to afford a C-section.
This initiative coincides with the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), a significant program initiated by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at addressing Nigeria’s alarmingly high rates of maternal and neonatal mortality—among the highest in the world. The goal of MAMII is to enhance access to quality and affordable healthcare for mothers and newborns, with a strong focus on primary health services and community involvement.
In a statement shared on the official X account of the health ministry, Pate expressed, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.” He highlighted the magnitude of health issues facing Nigeria, citing a maternal mortality rate of 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and a neonatal mortality rate of 41 deaths per 1,000 live births. He also pointed to the concerning low uptake of essential health services in the country, stating that MAMII aims to tackle these challenges by improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening primary health care services, and enhancing community engagement.
The Minister reassured attendees of the government’s commitment to bettering maternal and neonatal health outcomes, remarking, “Together, we’re building a future where every Nigerian mother and child can thrive.”
Key partners made strong commitments during the event to support the initiative. Dr. Haliru Yahaya, the Emir of Shonga, underscored the importance of traditional institutions in health reforms, stating, “We’re fully in!” Oyebanji Filani, Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, noted, “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are all in for implementation.”
Engr. Bello Lawal, President of the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), expressed confidence in the project, saying, “We’re aligning with the Federal Government to ensure grassroots support. Full steam ahead!”
Dr. Walter Mulombo, Country Representative of the World Health Organization, affirmed, “If implemented correctly, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way!” Trina Haque, Practice Manager at the World Bank Africa, described MAMII as a “game-changer,” affirming their commitment to providing funding and expertise to help close existing gaps in healthcare provision.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation also expressed optimism regarding the initiative, stating, “Exciting progress! We’re dedicated to making maternal and child health a priority.”
Currently, C-sections are only performed when medically necessary, with the World Health Organization estimating that about 2.7 percent of births in Nigeria occur via C-section. This rate varies regionally, with the South-West region reporting the highest prevalence at 4.7 percent.
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