The Nigerian government has taken a major step to improve maternal health by launching a nationwide program offering free cesarean sections. The program, introduced by Health Minister Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) in Abuja, aims to reduce the country’s high maternal mortality rates.
Under this initiative, eligible women across Nigeria, especially in areas with high maternal death rates, will receive free cesarean sections and essential maternal care. According to Prof. Pate, the initiative is a key part of Nigeria’s Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) strategy, which focuses on improving health outcomes by aligning various health services and resources.
The Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative specifically targets local government areas where more than 50% of maternal deaths occur. In many of these communities, women face barriers to receiving proper healthcare, such as a lack of information, financial issues, and even challenges like obtaining spousal consent.
“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 said.
He stressed the importance of addressing pre-existing gaps in the healthcare system, stating, “Our objective is to ensure every Nigerian woman has safe and skilled access to maternal care.”
Prof. Pate emphasized the importance of closing gaps in the healthcare system to ensure that all Nigerian women have safe access to skilled maternal care. Through partnerships with state health agencies and community health workers, the program plans to boost the presence of trained medical professionals at primary healthcare centers and raise awareness among women about the value of antenatal 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,” he said.
The initiative also calls for collaboration with local communities and healthcare providers to maintain resources that will improve maternal and child health outcomes in the country.
“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 said.
Nigeria currently has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally. Many women, especially in rural areas, struggle with limited access to healthcare and high medical costs. Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, praised Prof. Pate’s initiative, calling it an essential step toward achieving Nigeria’s maternal health targets and extending healthcare to all Nigerians.
By providing free cesarean sections, Nigeria hopes to save more lives and ensure safer births for mothers across the nation.
“Prof. Pate underlined that saving lives requires consistent community-level engagement and a collective commitment to improving maternal health nationwide,” she said.
