The Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the provision of free caesarean sections for Nigerian women who need them. This initiative, revealed during the Nigeria Health Sector-Wide Joint Annual Review in Abuja, is part of the new “Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative,” aimed at decreasing maternal and newborn mortality rates nationwide.
Pate emphasized that financial barriers should not prevent women from accessing life-saving care, stating, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.” The initiative focuses on 172 high-burden local government areas, which contribute to over 50% of maternal deaths in Nigeria.
The program includes eligibility criteria for poor and vulnerable women, allowing them access to services from both public and private facilities registered with the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). The NHIA, alongside the National Primary Health Care Development Agency and state health insurance bodies, will handle the reimbursement process to sustain these essential services.
Community health workers are also being deployed to create demand for maternal health services, particularly in rural and underserved areas, by educating families and assisting with antenatal care awareness. The National Emergency Medical Service and Ambulance System has been revitalized to ensure timely transport for emergencies in remote regions.
The initiative has garnered support from international partners and stakeholders across various sectors. Pate called on state governors, healthcare leaders, and community members to contribute to its success, with the ultimate goal of making quality healthcare accessible, affordable, and effective for all Nigerians.
