The Federal Government has declared that Nigerian women who need Cesarean Sections (C-Sections) can now get the surgery for free.
A C-section, also known as Cesarean delivery, is a procedure where a baby is delivered through cuts made in the mother’s belly and womb. It is often needed when normal birth is unsafe or impossible, or if the health of the mother or baby is at risk.
The announcement was made by Prof. Muhammed Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, during the Joint Annual Review (JAR) conference in Abuja. He stated, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”
As part of this effort, the government launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), a major plan to reduce high maternal and newborn death rates in Nigeria.
MAMII aims to make quality healthcare available for mothers and babies by strengthening basic health services and involving local communities.
A message from the health ministry’s official X handle @Fmohnigeria emphasized, “This initiative is part of the new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project.”
Nigeria has one of the highest rates of maternal deaths worldwide, with 512 deaths per 100,000 births, and 41 deaths for every 1,000 newborns. MAMII’s goal is to bring these numbers down by improving healthcare and encouraging community support.
Various key partners at the event expressed strong support. The Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, highlighted that traditional leaders and communities play a vital role in health changes, stating, “We’re fully in!”
The Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani, said, “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are al in for implementation.”
In addition, Dr. Walter Mulombo from the World Health Organization promised full backing, while the World Bank’s Trina Haque called MAMII a “game-changer” and committed financial support.
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation added, “We’re dedicated to making maternal and child health a priority.”
Currently, only about 2.7% of births in Nigeria happen through C-sections, according to WHO, with higher rates in some areas like the South-West region at 4.7%.
