The Federal Government has launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) to provide free caesarean sections for vulnerable and poor women across the country.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, unveiled the initiative during ongoing three-day Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja.
He highlighted the urgency of addressing maternal mortality, noting that 172 local government areas contribute to over half of maternal deaths nationwide.
Prof Pate explained that the initiative underscored the government’s commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality.
The Minister also underlined the role of community health workers in the mission, which he said aligned with the President’s plan to deploy an additional 120,000 health workers to enhance primary healthcare nationwide.
He said these workers would be instrumental in raising awareness of maternal care, educating families on the importance of antenatal services, and ensuring that mothers are informed about accessible healthcare options.