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Summary
Nigeria has announced that Caesarean Sections will be free for all women in the country. The announcement was made by the Coordinating Minister, Prof. Muhammed Pate at the ongoing Joint Annual Review (JAR).
In a major health policy shift, Nigeria’s Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced that Caesarean sections will now be free to all Nigerian women in need.
This announcement was made on Nov. 7, 2024, on Day 2 of the ongoing Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) for health, during which the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) was officially launched.
The Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) aims to reduce the country’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates by expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns. The initiative focuses on strengthening primary health services and engaging communities to make essential procedures like C-sections accessible without financial burden.
Nigeria currently has one of the highest neonatal mortality rates globally, accounting for 6% of neonatal deaths worldwide. In 2021, the country recorded a neonatal mortality rate (NMR) of 34.9 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest in West and Central Africa. Maternal mortality has also been a grave issue, In 2018, the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) in Nigeria was estimated to be 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, and in 2019, the MMR was estimated to be over 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births with a neonatal mortality rate at 33 per 1000 live births.
Prof. Pate emphasised the urgency of this initiative, stating, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”
He also noted that MAMII is supported by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) to make this vision a reality.
The launch has garnered strong support both locally and internationally. Speaking on the initiative, the Emir of Shonga, HRH Dr. Haliru Yahaya, emphasised the importance of community involvement, stating, “Traditional institutions and communities are at the heart of health reforms. We’re fully in!”
The Chairman of Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani, underscored the long-term commitment needed, saying, “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are ALL IN for implementation.”
Trina Haque, Practice Manager at World Bank Africa, stated, “MAMII is a game-changer! We are fully committed to providing funding and expertise to help close the gaps.”
