…FG Launches Bold Reforms to End Preventable Maternal & NeoNatal Deaths

The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths, with the launch of new national guidelines and strategic health reforms.

Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, made this known during a press briefing to commemorate 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, held in the Ministry’s Headquarters Office, Abuja. The event marked a renewed national resolve to make childbirth safer for every Nigerian woman.

“No woman should die giving life, and no child should be born into preventable suffering,” Safe motherhood is not just a health agenda—it is a moral obligation, a measure of our progress as a nation”, the Coordinating Minister asserted.

During the briefing, Prof. Pate stated this year’s theme: “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality”, calls on all sectors—governments, health professionals, communities, and development partner to act decisively in protecting mothers and newborns.

In a major highlight, the minister launched six new policy documents to improve maternal healthcare services nationwide. These include:

The Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024–2028) – a national blueprint to reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal health commodity availability.

Guidelines for the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH).

Guidelines for Preeclampsia and Eclampsia.

Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals.

The RMNCAEH+N Quality of Care Strategy – focusing on respectful, high-quality care for women, children, and the elderly.

National Training Manual on Obstetric Fistula Management.

“These documents demonstrate our commitment to not only managing emergencies but also building a resilient, inclusive healthcare system,” the minister further affirmed.

Under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, the federal government has begun transforming maternal healthcare delivery through:

Expansion of skilled birth attendants in underserved regions.

Strengthened primary healthcare facilities.

Free fistula care in 15 treatment centres.

Scale-up of free emergency obstetric care for vulnerable groups.

Broader health insurance coverage.

Emergency ambulance services operational in 23 states.

“These reforms are already showing results with improved maternal health indicators in several parts of the country,” Prof. Pate noted.

In her welcome remarks, the Permanent Secretary Daju Kachollom mni, asserted that the day served as a powerful reminder of the work that still lies ahead.

“Maternal mortality remains a personal tragedy for families and a setback for national development,” she stated. “But it is preventable, and that is why our slogan: “Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies matters.”

The Permanent Secretary, represented by the Director Family Health Department Dr. Binyerem Ukaire; called for continued collaboration between federal and state governments, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, development partners, and the media.

Additionally, it is pertinent to state that federal government’s efforts to improve maternal health indicators received a boost recently, with a donation of US$5mn by the Sir Emeka Foundation (SEOF) to the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive Maternal and Child Health RMCH programme, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health & Social Welfare and, leading professional health associations.

(ALABA BALOGUN)