FG Scales Maternal Mortality Reduction Programme to 32 States, Records Nearly 79,000 Emergency Responses Nationwide

Kingsley Ohens reporting For

The Federal Government has expanded its flagship Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) to 32 states, marking a significant step in Nigeria’s efforts to curb preventable deaths among women and newborns.

The nationwide scale-up is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the country’s healthcare system through coordinated emergency response mechanisms, improved referral pathways, and the deployment of data-driven interventions designed to enhance maternal and neonatal outcomes.

According to official updates, the expansion has been complemented by increased operational capacity under the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS/RESMAT), which has recorded nearly 79,000 emergency medical transport responses across participating states. The system plays a critical role in bridging access gaps by ensuring timely evacuation of patients, particularly pregnant women facing obstetric emergencies, to appropriate healthcare facilities.

The initiative also integrates expanded access to emergency obstetric and neonatal care services at secondary and tertiary health institutions, alongside strengthened service delivery at the primary healthcare level. This multi-tiered approach is aimed at addressing delays in accessing care—one of the leading contributors to maternal and neonatal mortality.

In addition, the Federal Government has scaled up the provision of free maternal health services under the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), enabling more women to receive antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care without financial barriers. The policy is expected to drive increased utilization of skilled birth attendants and institutional deliveries, which are critical to improving survival rates.

Health authorities note that the programme places strong emphasis on real-time data collection and analysis to guide interventions, monitor performance, and ensure accountability across implementing states. The use of data analytics is also intended to identify high-risk areas and populations, allowing for targeted deployment of resources.

The expansion of MAMII aligns with Nigeria’s commitments under global health frameworks, including the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Goal 3, which seeks to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio and end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five.

With the programme now active in the majority of states, stakeholders expect further improvements in response times, service coverage, and overall health outcomes, as the government continues to prioritize maternal and child health as a key component of national development.