The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, has reiterated commitment to safe motherhood following death from complications of 57,000 mothers in the past year.
He stressed this commitment during the 2024 National Safe Motherhood Day, organised by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, which elaborated the stride towards effective maternal health in Nigeria.
Speaking under the theme, Investing in Maternal Health for a Sustainable Future: Mother Survives, Child Thrives, the Hon. Coordinating Minister Muhammad Ali Pate highlighted the urgent need to treat maternal health as both a medical emergency and a fundamental human right.
The Minister urged for a reflective moment for the over 57,000 women who tragically lost their lives to maternal complications in the past year.
"These women, were mothers, sisters, spouses, and leaders, and remind us that pregnancy, though not a disease, remains a perilous journey for many due to inadequate healthcare services", Prof Pate intoned.
Highlighting the grim statistics of maternal and newborn mortality, the Government and its partners have taken decisive steps. At the last The World Bank/International Monetary Fund Spring Meetings, the Government, along with other partners convened, "Nigeria Now: Nigeria's Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative to Crash Maternal and Child Mortality", which sought to bolster global support for reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Already, the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative is enhancing health outcomes through a sector-wide collaboration among the federal government, state governors, and development partners. Notedly, this includes substantial funding for primary healthcare improvements and the retraining of 120,000 health workers through the BHCPF.
The government is also promoting innovative practices in maternal healthcare, like managing severe postpartum conditions, using antenatal corticosteroids for preterm births, and combating maternal anemia, a major mortality contributor.
Towards this, Prof. Pate launched the life-saving calibrated drape for pregnant woman, promising, "in line with Mr President's agenda, we will support the local production of the drapes and magnesium sulphate and ensure access for each pregnant woman."
Central to these efforts is promoting equity to ensure that no woman is left out. Access to quality healthcare is a priority, especially for rural and underserved communities, and includes boosting local production of medical supplies to strengthen Nigeria's healthcare system.
A week-long series of dialogue and action is planned to promote zero maternal deaths. The Minister stated, "Effective collaboration among government, healthcare workers, partners, and communities is crucial. We are committed to transforming maternal healthcare in Nigeria, ensuring the wellbeing of mothers and children."
This collective effort aims to secure a future where every Nigerian mother can survive and thrive with her child. Success at maternal health is not only a policy target but a moral obligation.
