As part of a new health strategy, Nigeria has launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, which is a program designed to provide eligible women access to free Caesarean sections in public hospitals. The initiative comes as a result of the rising Maternal Health crisis in the country, where many pregnant women, especially those in rural areas, struggle to access emergency medical care. Financial hurdles play a huge role in making essential procedures out of reach for many, and in most cases, the inability to afford a Caesarean section can turn a routine birth complication into a life-threatening situation.
On average, a Caesarean section in Nigeria costs about 60,000 Naira (around $36). While this amount may be manageable for some, a significant portion of Nigerian families struggle to afford it, given their limited incomes. Recent data from Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics highlights this disparity, showing that over 40% of Nigerians live below the Extreme Poverty line of $2.15 per day. For many, this makes essential emergency medical procedures like Caesareans financially out of reach, and forces women to risk unassisted births or turn to unsafe, unregulated alternatives.
New policy promises timely and cost-free care to eligible mothers.
Health Minister Muhammad Pate explained the importance of this initiative. He deemed the current situation “unacceptable,” and stressed that financial constraints should not be a death sentence for women in need of a C-section. This new policy is an important step toward tackling Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, a statistic that vividly portrays the healthcare challenges facing the country. Recent data shows that Nigeria has a maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, placing it as the fourth highest in the world. The limited access to life-saving Caesareans is believed to be a major factor behind these numbers.
Moreover, the program considers women registered under the national Public Health Insurance scheme eligible to receive free Caesareans in emergency cases. However, in order to successfully implement this, social Welfare units within hospitals will be responsible for assessing cases to ensure that the most vulnerable women receive timely and cost-free care. Tashikalmah Hallah, a communication adviser to the health minister, confirmed that these units would play a key role in verifying eligibility, ensuring that those most in need benefit from this policy.
Health initiative receives global and local support.
Several international health organizations have voiced strong support for Nigeria’s new maternal health initiative. The World Bank’s Trina Haque described the program as a “game-changer,” while the World Health Organization’s Nigeria representative, Kazadi Mulombo, emphasized that “if implemented right, this initiative will deliver.” The World Bank’s backing reflects its commitment to maternal health, as seen in similar efforts like Mozambique’s Primary Health Care Strengthening Program, which significantly expanded healthcare coverage by training thousands of community health workers.
Local NGOs working in maternal health are also applauding the initiative, with advocates highlighting its potential to transform maternal care in Nigeria. Rhoda Robinson, executive director of HACEY, an NGO promoting healthcare access for vulnerable communities, explained that the policy could significantly improve maternal and child health outcomes, particularly for low-income women who might otherwise turn to unsafe alternatives. Mabel Onwuemena, national coordinator of the Women of Purpose Foundation, called for even further expansion, urging the government to include additional services, such as free medications and ultrasounds, to ensure comprehensive maternal care.
Related Article: Ogun State Government to grant free health Insurance
By reducing financial barriers to Caesarean sections, Nigeria’s Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative holds promise for addressing the country’s maternal mortality crisis. Similar initiatives in Mali and Benin, where user fees for Caesareans were removed, led to increased hospital births and improved maternal health outcomes. Nigeria could see similar benefits as this initiative progresses. With a commitment to saving lives, bolstered by continued support and effective implementation, this policy could transform maternal health in Nigeria, offering a safer future for mothers and their children.