The Nigerian healthcare system faces a critical challenge with high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, according to the Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate.
To tackle this, the Federal Government teamed up with Ondo State to launch a bold initiative aimed at cutting these mortality rates by 2027.
This announcement came during a five-day workshop held in Akure, Ondo State, focused on Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative Co-creation.
At the event, Dr. Amina Muhammed, Director of Child Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, represented the minister and highlighted that the workshop signaled the start of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative in Ondo.
Prof. Pate revealed that 33 states and 171 local government areas across Nigeria have been identified as “high-burdened for maternal and newborn mortality.”
He stated, “Nigerian healthcare system is challenged by high maternal and neonatal mortality rate particularly preterm and low birth weight infants.”
The minister shared alarming data: Nigeria ranks third worldwide for preterm births, with roughly 773,600 cases annually. In 2022 alone, an estimated 274,000 newborns died.
He pointed out that complications related to preterm births are the top cause of deaths among children under five in the country.
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Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, through his Special Adviser Prof. Michael Odimayo, praised the MAMMI initiative as a game-changer that fits perfectly with the state’s mission to save mothers and children.
He lauded the Federal Government’s effort and emphasized that Ondo’s involvement reflects a firm commitment “to protecting the lives and women and children in all communities in the state.”
The governor stressed, “We recognise that improving health outcomes requires deliberate and sustained investment, not only in infrastructure but also in the welfare and well-being of our health workforce and wider population.”
He added that cutting maternal and newborn deaths calls for clear policy action, a responsive healthcare system, ongoing community engagement, and a skilled, motivated workforce.
Dr. Adeniran Ikuomola, Permanent Secretary of Ondo State Ministry of Health, reminded the audience of the state’s past success with the Abiye and Agbebiye programmes, which earned international praise.
He confirmed the MAMMI programme will start with pilots in five local government areas: Ese-Odo, Akure South, Ifedore, Ondo West, and Owo.