Ali Pate, minister of health and social welfare, says cesarean sections (C-sections) will now be provided free of charge to women across the country.
Pate made the announcement in Abuja on Thursday at the
launch of the maternal mortality reduction initiative (MAMII) during the
ongoing joint annual review (JAR) of the sector wide approach (SWAp) for
health.
He said the move is part of the government’s push to tackle
Nigeria’s maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which rank among the highest
globally.
The initiative aims to improve access to quality healthcare
for mothers and newborns, with a particular focus on primary health services
and community involvement.
The new policy is designed to ensure that women who need
C-sections—either due to complications or as part of planned deliveries—can
access the procedure without financial obstacles.
According to Pate, the initiative will prioritise ensuring
that essential maternal healthcare services reach even the most underserved
communities.
“The resources are available. This is in further effort to
reduce maternal mortality in the country,” Pate said.
“No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t
afford a C-section.”
Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) country
representative in Nigeria, welcomed the initiative, stressing the importance of
its effective implementation.
“If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re
here to support every step of the way,” he said.
Speaking at the opening of JAR on Wednesday, Pate had said
Nigerians must hold government accountable for providing improved quality healthcare
services and basic services.
“For our citizens, in line with the President’s overall
direction, we want you to hold us, as well as your state and local governments,
accountable for providing improved quality healthcare services and basic
services that we need as a people to create a healthier nation,” he said.
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