From Noah Ebije, Kaduna
The National Coordinator of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, has disclosed that the Federal Government, in collaboration with state governments, is intensifying efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across 172 local government areas (LGAs) in Nigeria.
Speaking in Kaduna yesterday, shortly after a four-day strategic workshop, Dr. Adeyanju said seven LGAs in Kaduna State were among those with the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in the country. The workshop, he noted, was designed to identify maternal health challenges and develop targeted interventions to address them.
“A suite of interventions has been co-created alongside the Kaduna State Government and relevant stakeholders during this workshop. This aligns with the mandate of Mr. President and the directive of the Coordinating Minister of Health to ensure that no woman dies during childbirth,” Dr. Adeyanju said.
He explained that the workshop involved field assessments to understand the root causes of maternal deaths, including poor access to healthcare, financial barriers, lack of community awareness and inefficient reporting systems. A comprehensive strategic document was developed and submitted to the Kaduna State Government for immediate action.
To ensure implementation, a task force has been inaugurated to drive the roadmap, which outlines clear steps and measurable targets for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.
Kaduna State Commissioner for Health, Hajiya Umma Ahmed, who addressed participants at the workshop’s closing session, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the initiative. She cited ongoing reforms in the health sector, including facility upgrades and workforce expansion, as evidence of the government’s resolve.
“Reducing maternal and child mortality is a top priority for Kaduna State, as clearly reflected in the governor’s manifesto. We are currently upgrading both primary and secondary healthcare facilities, completing a 300-bed hospital, and recruiting over 2,000 health workers. These efforts demonstrate strong political will,” she said.
Dr. Adeyanju equally led a MAMII delegation, including council chairmen from the seven high-burden LGAs and traditional rulers, to a meeting at Sir Kashim Ibrahim House with the Deputy Governor of Kaduna State, Dr. Hadiza Balarabe.
Presenting the roadmap report, Dr. Adeyanju stressed the urgency of timely implementation to save lives and improve health outcomes. He said the document contains actionable recommendations aimed at tackling systemic barriers to maternal care.
In response, Dr. Balarabe reiterated the government’s backing of the initiative and pledged full support for its execution.
“Kaduna is committed to reducing maternal deaths. I hope the Ministry of Health will follow through with this roadmap and ensure timely and effective implementation,” she said.
While addressing journalists after the meeting, the Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmed, further emphasised the state government’s commitment to maternal and child health.
“As you can see, the commitment is reflected in the governor’s clear agenda to address child and maternal mortality in Kaduna State. The deputy governor’s presence at the workshop’s opening session signifies strong government support,” she stated.
She added that the government’s actions, ranging from infrastructure upgrades and medical equipment procurement to the recruitment of health personnel, highlight the political will to end preventable maternal deaths.
“The maternal and neonatal mortality reduction workshop came at the right time. We needed a strategic push to tackle the issue, and over the last four days, we engaged with key stakeholders to develop a work plan. A technical committee has also been inaugurated to drive implementation. I want to assure Mr. President and the Coordinating Minister of Health that Kaduna is fully committed to this goal.”
The MAMII initiative is a component of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to improve maternal and child health, and promote equitable healthcare access across the country.