World Health Day 2025: FG Launches Free Caesarean Section Initiative to Combat Maternal MortalityIn a bold move to tackle Nigeria’s alarming maternal and infant mortality rates, the Federal Government has launched the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII)—a comprehensive intervention designed to ensure that no woman dies while giving life.
The initiative was flagged off in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) on World Health Day 2025, and includes provisions for free health insurance, cesarean sections, mama kits, delivery starter packs, transportation vouchers, and more. Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, at the launch in Abuja, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of the MAMII project, said the programme responds to the President’s charge that “no woman should die as a result of childbirth.” He revealed that the Federal Government has signed MoUs with 66 teaching hospitals across the country to offer free cesarean sections and plans to expand the scheme to general hospitals. “MAMII is not just a slogan—it’s a practical, system-wide response,” he said. “From pregnancy to postnatal care, we are supporting women every step of the way.”
FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, emphasized the critical role of maternal health in national development. She announced that all pregnant women in the FCT are now entitled to free health insurance, adding that delivery—whether vaginal or via cesarean section—will also be completely free. “We are determined to reverse the grim statistics,” she said, pointing out that Nigeria leads in maternal deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. “Our Renewed Hope Initiative is committed to ensuring safe deliveries, vaccinations, and postnatal care for every woman and child.” Supporting this commitment, WHO Country Representative to Nigeria, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, described MAMII as a game-changer. “With interventions like this, we are hopeful every child will be born healthy and will thrive,” he stated. Commending the free insurance provision, he pledged WHO’s support in tracking its implementation. “I will personally monitor to ensure it is truly free and women benefit from it,” Dr. Mulombo assured. The launch not only marked World Health Day but also ushered in what stakeholders called a new era of “Healthy Beginnings and Hopeful Futures” for Nigeria’s mothers and children.
