The Federal Government has approved a $1 billion facility to support all 36 states in tackling child and maternal mortality, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Ali Pate, announced on Monday.
Speaking at the launch of the Co-Creation Workshop on the Ogun State Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative in Abeokuta, Pate revealed that the funds would serve as an incentive for states to improve healthcare delivery and reduce mortality rates.
“As part of our commitment to improving child and maternal health, the coordination office has secured resources from HOPE, a $1bn facility recently approved for all 36 states to drive results,” Pate stated. “Whether it is improving governance, increasing human resources in primary healthcare, or enhancing antenatal care coverage, states will receive incentive payments based on their achievements. This is the structure of the incentive scheme.”
Additionally, the Federal Government is upgrading 774 healthcare facilities across the country to serve as referral centres for free emergency obstetric care.
Pate highlighted the importance of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, launched nationally last week by President Bola Tinubu, describing it as essential for Nigeria’s development. He stressed the need for strong federal-state collaboration, urging states to tailor their approaches based on local realities rather than relying solely on centrally designed solutions.
He also pointed out other critical factors influencing maternal and child mortality, including maternal education, nutrition, anaemia, and emergency transport systems.
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Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, praised the initiative, affirming the state’s commitment to improving maternal and newborn health. He disclosed that two local government areas—Ijebu North East and Ado-Odo/Ota—have maternal mortality rates above the national average of 194 deaths per 100,000 births.
Abiodun noted that his administration had increased the state’s health sector budget to 13%, employed over 800 healthcare workers, and provided 80 tricycles for emergency transport in rural areas. He called on stakeholders to adopt innovative and data-driven approaches to significantly reduce maternal and newborn deaths.
Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Tomi Coker, described the workshop as an opportunity to develop practical, evidence-based solutions. She urged participants to embrace innovation and collaboration in addressing maternal and newborn mortality.
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