The Federal Government said it has provided free Cesarean sections to over 4,000 women since launching its maternal health initiative.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Wednesday April 16, 2025 , in Abuja.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Pate made the statement during a media conference marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day celebration.
The 2025 theme is “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality.”
The campaign slogan is “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies.”
Pate stated that the government remains committed to saving mothers and newborns during childbirth.
He noted that Safe Motherhood Day, marked annually on April 11, raises awareness about maternal health challenges.
In November 2024, the minister announced the federal government’s plan to offer free C-sections nationwide.
The initiative forms part of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project.
MAMII aims to reduce maternal and newborn deaths and expand access to quality health services.
Pate confirmed that more than 4,000 women have already benefited from this critical health intervention.
He said the initiative targets pregnant women who would otherwise lack access to life-saving surgical delivery.
The government rolled out the project under its broader Health Sector Renewal Investment programme.
This programme tackles long-standing issues in the nation’s healthcare delivery system.
Pate said no woman should die while giving life, regardless of her social or economic status.
He urged healthcare providers to remain committed to safe delivery practices and quality care.
He also called for more investment in innovation to support maternal and newborn health.
Pate stressed the importance of collaborative efforts between public and private healthcare sectors.
He acknowledged development partners for supporting maternal health programmes in Nigeria.
The minister promised sustained efforts to improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
He encouraged communities to support pregnant women with timely access to care and services.
Pate reaffirmed the federal government’s resolve to reduce maternal deaths across all regions in Nigeria.
