FG Launches Free Cesarean Section Program to Combat Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
The Federal Government has initiated a program offering free cesarean sections and emergency obstetric care to women nationwide. This initiative underscores the administration’s commitment to enhancing maternal health and ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder access to life-saving medical procedures.
Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate stands at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, placing it among the highest globally. Contributing factors include severe hemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, sepsis, post-abortion complications, and obstructed labor. Recognizing these challenges, the government has launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project, aiming to improve access to quality healthcare, strengthen primary health services, and foster community involvement.
Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, emphasized that no woman should lose her life due to an inability to afford a cesarean section. He highlighted that the initiative is part of a broader effort to address critical maternal and neonatal mortality rates by removing financial barriers to essential medical procedures.
The program’s pilot phase, launched in August 2024, has already benefited 2,819 women, with approximately N87 million disbursed to cover life-saving procedures. Initially implemented in four healthcare facilities across Kano and Akwa Ibom states, the initiative has expanded to include additional facilities nationwide.
To further bolster maternal health, the government is also providing free treatment for women suffering from vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), a severe childbirth-related condition affecting at least 10,000 women annually. This comprehensive approach aims to address various complications arising from pregnancy and childbirth, ensuring holistic care for affected women.
The initiative has garnered support from international organizations and local stakeholders. The World Health Organization’s country representative in Nigeria, Walter Mulombo, praised the program, emphasizing the importance of effective implementation. Similarly, the World Bank and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation have expressed commitment to supporting the initiative, recognizing its potential to transform maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.
By eliminating financial barriers to essential maternal healthcare services, the Federal Government aims to significantly reduce maternal mortality rates and improve health outcomes for mothers and newborns across the nation. This initiative reflects a strategic effort to prioritize the health and well-being of Nigerian women, ensuring that life-saving medical procedures are accessible to all, regardless of socioeconomic status.