Under the leadership of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the Federal Ministry of Health has introduced a four-point agenda aimed at addressing the alarming rates of maternal deaths in Nigeria. The initiative is a pivotal step in the government’s commitment to prioritizing maternal health and reducing mortality rates among pregnant women.
The four-point agenda outlined by the ministry is as follows:
- Improve Governance: Enhancing the overall governance structure within the health sector to ensure efficient management and coordination of resources.
- Improve Population Health Outcomes: Implementing strategies to enhance the health outcomes of the population, particularly focusing on maternal health.
- Unlocking Healthcare Value Chain: Streamlining and optimizing the healthcare value chain to ensure that resources are utilized effectively and contribute to improved health services.
- Provide Health Security for All Nigerians: Ensuring that health security measures are in place to safeguard the well-being of all citizens.
Reducing maternal mortality rates is a top priority for the Federal Government, recognizing the need to make pregnancy in Nigeria safer. The ministry is steadfast in its commitment to significantly decrease maternal mortality rates by the year 2024.
To achieve this, the ministry aims to bolster the human resource for health by undertaking the comprehensive training of 120,000 frontline health workers. The training program encompasses essential reproductive healthcare skills and other critical interventions.
Speaking at the 2023 Gender Inclusion Summit, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, emphasized the importance of sector-wide coordination, especially with development partners. This collaboration is instrumental in ensuring that funds and resources are utilized efficiently to enhance the well-being of mothers and women across Nigeria.
Dr. Alausa further highlighted the ministry’s commitment to implementing sustainable programs, formulating effective policies, raising awareness, conducting training programs, and developing a national digital platform to support healthcare professionals.
In light of available data revealing that 1 in 22 Nigerian women die annually from pregnancy-related causes, and considering the World Health Organization’s report on the maternal mortality rate reaching 1047 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2022, these strategic initiatives are crucial for addressing and reversing this concerning trend. The Federal Ministry of Health’s multifaceted approach aims to create a safer and healthier environment for mothers in Nigeria.
