Maternal Deaths: Hospital Launches free caesarean section outreach

As part of its official efforts to save lives, the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital has launched a free cesarean section outreach under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII).

The Federal Government had on November 7, 2024, announced its plan to end maternal mortality in Nigeria through free Cesarean sections for all Nigerian women in need.

The coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, had said that the initiative was geared towards pruning down rising figures of maternal and infant mortality in the country.

However, the coordinating Minister, via a post on his official X handle on Saturday, announced that the free caesarean section has already started to deliver free, lifesaving care to women, removing the financial barriers that too often cost lives.

The initiative, according to him, marks a significant step in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s efforts to save lives.

The post reads; “Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital launched a free cesarean section outreach under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, marking a significant step in the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s efforts to save lives.

“Two weeks after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Health Insurance Authority (@NHIAnigeria), this outreach has already We are at the early stages but optimistic that we can expand this carefully and rapidly in the period ahead.

“MAMII is central to our fight against maternal mortality, particularly intensely targeting 172 high-burden local government areas that account for over half of all maternal deaths.

“By providing free cesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women who meet eligibility criteria, and ensuring these services are accessible in both public and private facilities empaneled by NHIA, this initiative demonstrates how health equity can become a reality.

“As part of the broader strategy, the revitalized National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System ensures timely transport to care, while health workers and community efforts continue to generate awareness and strengthen access to emergency obstetric services.

“This outreach at ATBUTH exemplifies MAMII in action, reinforcing the President Tinubu Administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and commitment to reducing maternal and newborn deaths across Nigeria.

The FMOHSW commends the health workers and partners for making this possible and reaffirms its commitment to ultimately delivering care that reaches every mother and child in need.