The Nigerian government has launched a nationwide initiative offering free cesarean sections to help reduce the country’s alarming maternal mortality rates.
Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, Minister of Health and Social Welfare, disclosed this on Wednesday in Abuja at the Joint Annual Review (JAR).
According to Pate, the initiative will serve as a vital platform for driving the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Nigeria, the News Agency of Nigeria reports.
Mr 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 highlighted 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.
He 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, Pate 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,” he said.
He called for a collaborative effort to sustain the resources, which 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,” he said.
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.
Speaking on the sidelines of the event, Dr Adaeze Oreh, Rivers State Commissioner for Health, told NAN that Prof. Pate’s approach is a critical step toward achieving Nigeria’s maternal health goals and expanding universal healthcare coverage.
Oreh said that the initiative calls on local communities, healthcare workers, and government agencies to actively support and implement these policies.
“Prof. Pate underlined that saving lives requires consistent community-level engagement and a collective commitment to improving maternal health nationwide,” she said.