Federal Government Launches Maternal Health Incentives Across 172 Local Government Areas

The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially launched an incentive program designed to address the country's high maternal and newborn mortality rates, which account for nearly 29% of global maternal deaths. Announced by the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, this program will target pregnant women in 172 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 33 states, focusing on communities with the highest maternal death burdens.

During the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, Dr. Salako emphasized the urgent need for this initiative, stating, "A Nigerian woman faces roughly a 1-in-19 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes, compared with 1-in-4,900 in the most developed countries." He highlighted the profound impact of these statistics, noting that each death represents not just a statistic, but a loss felt by families and entire communities.

The new program is part of the broader Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), which was launched by the Federal Government in November 2024. With this initiative, the government aims to enhance early antenatal care, promote facility-based deliveries, and ensure comprehensive postnatal follow-ups, particularly in the regions where maternal deaths are most prevalent.

Dr. Salako further stated that the selected 172 LGAs represent about 20% of the nation's local government areas but are responsible for approximately 55% of maternal deaths in the country. This targeted approach indicates a strategic effort to allocate resources effectively and maximize the impact of health interventions.

“Behind every one of these figures is a mother, a child, a family and a community diminished,” Dr. Salako remarked, underscoring the human cost of Nigeria's maternal health crisis.