Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed on Wednesday in Abuja at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) that the Nigerian government has unveiled a nationwide free cesarean section initiative aimed at reducing Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates.
The minister explained that the initiative will serve as a vital platform for driving the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Nigeria, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
Under the initiative, cesarean sections and essential maternal care would be provided free of charge to eligible women across the country, targeting areas with the highest maternal deaths, the minister explained further.
He highlighted that the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative would primarily focus on local government areas reporting over 50 per cent of maternal deaths, as many women face barriers such as lack of awareness, spousal consent, and financial challenges.
In his words, “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.
“Our objective is to ensure every Nigerian woman has safe and skilled access to maternal care.
“This initiative forms part of President Tinubu’s health agenda, aiming to provide not only immediate relief through free procedures but also long-term impact by building capacity among healthcare providers and enhancing the quality of primary care.
“It’s not just about reducing maternal deaths; it’s about empowering Nigerian women with the healthcare and knowledge they need for safer pregnancies and childbirth,”
He called for a collaborative effort by state health agencies and community health workers to sustain the resources, which would contribute significantly to maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.