Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, has announced that Cesarean sections will now be free for all Nigerian women in need. Emphasizing the significance of this decision, Pate declared, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”
This announcement came as Prof. Pate officially launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), a transformative program from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare. MAMII aims to significantly reduce Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates—among the worst globally—by prioritizing access to affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns. The initiative will focus on strengthening primary health services and empowering communities nationwide.
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The initiative has received widespread support from key partners, including traditional and community leaders. HRH Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “Traditional institutions and communities are at the heart of health reforms. We’re fully in!” Meanwhile, Oyebanji Filani-Okeanaye, Chairman of the Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, voiced his commitment, adding, “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are all in for implementation,” he added.
