In a bid to tackle Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates, the Federal Government has introduced a nationwide initiative offering free cesarean sections.
Announced by Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the Joint Annual Review in Abuja on Wednesday, the program aims to address the healthcare gaps that contribute to high maternal death rates in the country.
The initiative will provide essential maternal care, including cesarean sections, at no cost to eligible women, particularly in local government areas with the highest maternal mortality rates. Prof. Pate emphasized that many women in these areas face significant barriers such as financial constraints, lack of awareness, and spousal consent, which prevent them from accessing life-saving procedures.
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Supported by the National Health Insurance Authority and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the program seeks to ensure that women in need of cesarean sections can access the treatment without financial worry. The initiative will be closely coordinated with state health agencies and community health workers, focusing on enhancing the quality of maternal care and increasing skilled attendance in primary healthcare centers.
“This initiative is aligned with President Tinubu’s health agenda, aimed at not only addressing immediate needs but also fostering long-term improvements in maternal healthcare,” Prof. Pate stated. He highlighted the necessity of community-level engagement and cooperation to ensure the sustainability and success of the program, emphasizing that it will empower Nigerian women with the healthcare they need for safer pregnancies and childbirth.
Nigeria faces one of the world’s highest maternal mortality rates, driven by poor healthcare access, especially in rural areas, and the financial burden of medical care. With this new initiative, the government hopes to make significant strides toward reducing these deaths and providing better healthcare access to vulnerable women across the country.
Dr. Adaeze Oreh, the Commissioner for Health in Rivers State, praised the initiative, noting its importance in expanding healthcare coverage and achieving Nigeria’s maternal health goals. The event is also set to discuss key priorities for the next phase of health sector reforms in Nigeria.
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