The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Nasarawa State, targeting high-risk communities across the state’s 13 local government areas.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The initiative is designed to combat maternal and child deaths by deploying a sector-wide strategy that addresses systemic gaps in healthcare delivery. MAMII will focus on expanding access to skilled birth attendants, increasing health facility usage, strengthening primary healthcare services, enhancing community engagement, and improving referral and transport systems.

Speaking in Lafia at the conclusion of a five-day Implementation Design Workshop on Sunday, Omoruyi Iyahen, Deputy Director at the SWAP Coordination Office in Abuja, said the project’s strategic framework aims to eliminate the critical delays that often lead to maternal deaths—particularly delays in seeking care and reaching health facilities.

Iyahen noted that MAMII, themed “Building Better Pathways for Survival Before, During and After Births,” is structured to provide comprehensive coverage for both mothers and newborns, ensuring quality healthcare at every stage.

He stressed that the plan was co-created with broad stakeholder participation, including officials from both the federal and state health ministries, local government representatives, health NGOs, community leaders, and healthcare providers from rural and urban areas.

“In line with the minister’s directive, we visited communities where these challenges are most pressing,” Iyahen explained. “We listened to the people—traditional rulers, religious leaders, women—and are now working to align solutions with the appropriate ministries. For example, where bad roads hinder healthcare access, we’ll be partnering with the Ministry of Works and Housing to address the issue.”

Also speaking, Dr Damina John, Permanent Secretary of the Nasarawa State Ministry of Health, expressed confidence in the initiative’s ability to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. He pledged full state support to ensure the success of the programme, particularly in underserved rural communities.

The Chief Medical Director of the Federal University of Lafia Teaching Hospital, Dr Ikrama Hassan, hailed the launch as a milestone in Nigeria’s maternal health efforts. He urged women in the state to take advantage of the programme, which he described as “a major intervention by the federal government to reduce maternal deaths.”

In her remarks, Fatima Aziba, Health Secretary of Nassarawa LGA, emphasized the need for continuous capacity building for frontline health workers. She said consistent training and support—especially in rural settings—are critical for improving maternal care and outcomes.