By Iyemah David
The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project aimed at addressing Nigeria’s troubling maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate disclosed this during the Joint Annual Review (JAR), in Abuja.
He said the initiative will serve as a vital platform to drive the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) in Nigeria.
Nigeria is currently listed among countries with the highest mortality rates in the world.
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO) Nigeria currently has 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 41 neonatal deaths per 1,000 births.
Prof. Pate said that the MAMII project is intended to cut these rates by piloting critical interventions across 17 states, particularly targeting local governments where maternal mortality exceeds 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
“Starting in November 2024, MAMII has set ambitious goals of increasing health facility utilisation and skilled birth attendance by 60 per cent while reducing maternal mortality by 30 per cent within three years,” he said.
The minister added that the project would focus on strengthening Primary Health Care (PHC) services and boosting community engagement in maternal health.
“The project incorporates a three-part strategy: Empowering Ward Development Committees (WDCs).
“WDCs will be crucial in tracking pregnancies and mobilising pregnant women to utilise PHC services,” he said.
He said that they would also foster community accountability, ensuring that expectant mothers receive necessary care.
“Recognising the influence of First Ladies, the project enlists their support to engage communities, raise awareness about maternal health, and encourage safe delivery practices.
“Transitioning Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs): TBAs, often a preferred choice for expectant mothers in rural areas, will now partner with health facilities to refer women for skilled care,” he explained.
The minister said that healthcare personnel would receive training and alternative livelihood options to facilitate this transition, improving the safety of maternal care in underserved areas.
He said that MAMII would also introduce “MAMII Vanguards,” community health workers tasked with identifying and mobilising pregnant women, especially those at high risk.
“Supported by traditional and religious leaders, these vanguards will work on the ground to ensure pregnant women are aware of and utilise available health services.
“The project will track progress through quarterly scorecards and will strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care and establish an efficient referral and emergency transport system,” he said.
According to him, the project will be funded through the Investment Program Financing (IPF) under the HOPE PHC initiative.
“MAMII is designed with a sustainability framework that includes legislative support and community advocacy.
“This initiative is not just a short-term intervention but a long-term commitment to maternal and neonatal health,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of systemic improvements and sustainable funding.
To motivate states and communities, the MAMII would organise an annual awards ceremony to honour outstanding achievements.
“Awards will recognise top-performing states, local health boards, facilities, Ward Development Committees, First Ladies, and other maternal health champions.
“High-performing local government areas will also receive media coverage to showcase their best practices, creating a peer-learning opportunity for other regions,” he stated.
He said that the MAMII project aimed to empower Nigerian women with the knowledge and resources to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, thereby reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
Pate said: “Nigeria must make maternal health a national priority. MAMII represents a unified, community-centred effort to create safer conditions for our mothers and newborns, ultimately saving lives.
