…Initiative Gets WHO’s Support
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, has announced that poor and vulnerable women across Nigeria will now receive free cesarean sections, c-sections, under a new government initiative.
Pate made the announcement in Abuja on Thursday at the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative, MAMII, which took place during the Joint Annual Review, JAR, of the Sector Wide Approach for Health.
The Minister explained that the initiative is part of the government’s commitment to reducing Nigeria’s maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which are among the highest in the world.
He stated that the policy aims to improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns, focusing particularly on primary health services and community-level engagement.
“A pivotal feature of this initiative is the provision of free cesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women who meet eligibility criteria, covering services provided through both public and private facilities empaneled by the National Health Insurance Authority,” Pate said.
“By removing financial barriers to this life-saving procedure, we ensure that no woman in need is denied critical care due to cost,” he added.
Pate also announced that 120,000 health workers will be recruited to support primary healthcare services across the country.
“Community health workers play a crucial role in this mission, in line with Mr. President’s initiative to onboard 120,000 additional health workers to support primary care across Nigeria,” he said.
These health workers, he noted, would help generate demand for maternal care services, educate families on antenatal care, and inform mothers about available health services.
He added, “The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative represents an immediate, determined response to Nigeria’s maternal and newborn health challenges.”
“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.”
The initiative has received support from the World Health Organisation, WHO.
Walter Mulombo, WHO’s country representative in Nigeria, commended the initiative, saying “If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way.”
During the opening of the JAR on Wednesday, Pate urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable for improving healthcare services.
“For our citizens, in line with the President’s overall direction, we want you to hold us, as well as your state and local governments, accountable for providing improved quality healthcare services and basic services that we need as a people to create a healthier nation,” he said.
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