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When a vaginal delivery is not a viable or safe option, a C-section, or Cesarean delivery, is performed. This surgical procedure involves making precise cuts in the abdomen and uterus to bring the baby into the world.
It’s often considered when the health of the mother or child could be compromised during a natural birth, ensuring that both are given the best chance for a safe delivery.
At the Joint Annual Review (JAR) conference in Abuja on Thursday, Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, made a poignant statement. He stressed that no woman should lose her life simply due to the inability to afford a Cesarean section, calling for greater access to life-saving healthcare services for mothers.
As part of this development, the Minister launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), an innovative program spearheaded by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. This effort is focused on reducing Nigeria’s maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which are some of the highest globally.
MAMII is designed to prioritize affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns, focusing on strengthening primary health care services while ensuring that communities play an active role in supporting maternal and child health efforts.
A statement on the official X handle of the apex health ministry @Fmohnigeria quoted Pate as saying: “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section. This initiative is part of the new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project.
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“Nigeria continues to face significant health challenges, with maternal mortality at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births.
“The country also has a low uptake of essential health services. MAMII aims to reduce these rates by improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening primary health care (PHC) services, and fostering greater community engagement.”
Pate strongly assured that the government was committed to improving maternal and neonatal health in Nigeria. He further noted that efforts were underway to create a future where every Nigerian mother and child would have the chance to thrive.
Among key partners that made major commitments during the event was the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, who said, “Traditional institutions and communities are at the heart of health reforms. We’re fully in!”
Also speaking, the Chairman , Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani noted that “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are al in for implementation.”
