The Federal Government has unveiled a nationwide free cesarean section initiative aimed at reducing Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates.

The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, disclosed this at the Joint Annual Review (JAR) in Abuja on Wednesday, November 6, 2024.

Pate said the initiative would serve as a vital platform for driving the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Nigeria.

Pate said under the initiative, cesarean sections and essential maternal care would be provided free of charge to eligible women across the country, targeting areas with the highest maternal deaths.

The minister stated that the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative would primarily focus on local government areas reporting over 50 per cent of maternal deaths, as many women face barriers such as lack of awareness, spousal consent, and financial challenges.

“The initiative, supported by the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), aims to make life-saving procedures like cesarean sections accessible to women in need without the burden of cost,” he said.

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Pate stressed the importance of addressing pre-existing gaps in the healthcare system, stating: “Our objective is to ensure every Nigerian woman has safe and skilled access to maternal care.”

Through partnerships with state health agencies and community health workers, he said the initiative would increase the presence of skilled attendants in primary health centres and educate women on the importance of antenatal care.

“This initiative forms part of President Tinubu’s health agenda, aiming to provide not only immediate relief through free procedures but also long-term impact by building capacity among healthcare providers and enhancing the quality of primary care,” the minister added.

Pate called for a collaborative effort to sustain these resources, which he said would contribute significantly to maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.

“It’s not just about reducing maternal deaths; it’s about empowering Nigerian women with the healthcare and knowledge they need for safer pregnancies and childbirth,” Pate noted.

Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with systemic challenges including limited healthcare access in rural areas and high out-of-pocket expenses.

The Star