The Federal Government has launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project to address Nigeria’s troubling maternal and neonatal mortality rates.
The Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Pate announced the initiative on Thursday in Abuja, where the Joint Annual Review (JAR) serves as a platform to advance the sector-wide approach (SWAp) in Nigeria.
Science Nigeria reports that Nigeria currently faces one of the highest maternal mortality rates globally, with 512 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 41 neonatal deaths per 1,000 births.
Pate stated that the MAMII project aims to reduce these rates by piloting critical interventions across 17 states, particularly in local governments where maternal mortality exceeds 1,000 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Starting in November 2024, MAMII has set ambitious goals: to increase health facility utilisation and skilled birth attendance by 60 per cent and to reduce maternal mortality by 30 per cent within three years.
The project focuses on strengthening primary health care (PHC) services and enhancing community engagement in maternal health.
“The project incorporates a three-part strategy: Empowering Ward Development Committees (WDCs) to track pregnancies and encourage pregnant women to use PHC services,” he explained.
The WDCs will foster community accountability, ensuring expectant mothers receive necessary care.
“Leveraging the Influence of State First Ladies: Recognising the role of first ladies, the project enlists their support to engage communities, raise awareness on maternal health and promote safe delivery practices.
“Transitioning Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs): TBAs, often the preferred choice in rural areas, will now partner with health facilities to refer women for skilled care,” he added.
TBAs will receive training and alternative livelihood options to facilitate this transition, improving maternal care safety in underserved areas.
MAMII will also introduce “MAMII Vanguards,” community health workers tasked with identifying and mobilising pregnant women, especially those at high risk.
“Supported by traditional and religious leaders, these Vanguards will work on the ground to ensure that pregnant women are aware of and utilize available health services.
“The project will track progress through quarterly scorecards and will strengthen emergency obstetric and newborn care (BEmONC and CEmONC) while establishing an efficient referral and emergency transport system,” he noted.
Funded through the Investment Programme Financing (IPF) under the HOPE PHC initiative, MAMII includes a sustainability framework encompassing legislative support and community advocacy.
“This is not just a short-term intervention but a long-term commitment to maternal and neonatal health,” he added.
Pate emphasised the importance of systemic improvements and sustainable funding.
To motivate states and communities, MAMII will hold an annual awards ceremony to recognize outstanding achievements.
“Awards will honour top-performing states, local health boards, facilities, ward development committees, first ladies and other maternal health champions.
“High-performing local government areas will also receive media coverage to showcase best practices, creating peer-learning opportunities for other regions,” he said.
These innovative measures aim to empower Nigerian women with knowledge and resources for informed reproductive health decisions, ultimately reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
“MAMII represents a unified, community-centered effort to create safer conditions for mothers and newborns, ultimately saving lives,” Pate said.
Local and international stakeholders, including donors and civil society organisations, attended the launch event. Many praised the approach, underscoring the importance of community engagement in implementing the reforms.
