Nigeria has launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Ogun and Bauchi States to combat maternal and neonatal mortality. The initiative integrates digital health solutions, strengthens healthcare financing, and enhances community participation to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
Speaking to CSR Reporters, experts emphasized that for MAMII to be successful, sustainable healthcare solutions must be prioritized. Political will, continuous funding, healthcare workforce training, and community engagement are essential for long-term impact.
The initiative aims to address five major delays contributing to maternal mortality:
- Delay in seeking medical care
- The delay in reaching a health facility
- Delay in receiving adequate care
- impeding mortality review accountability
- gap in coordination among healthcare providers
Read also: UNICEF, Partners Deliver 3 million Bottles of Supplements to Boost Maternal Health in Nigeria
Strengthening Maternal Healthcare in Ogun & Bauchi
Ogun State has introduced the Ibi-Dero conditional cash transfer program to enhance maternal care affordability. Health experts suggest other states adopt health insurance models to ensure financial accessibility.
Bauchi State faces challenges like low antenatal care attendance and rural inaccessibility. In response, the government plans to:
✅ Expand skilled birth attendance
✅ Enhance emergency obstetric care services
✅ Integrate traditional birth attendants into formal healthcare
Organizations like the World Bank, UNICEF, and UNFPA have pledged financial and technical support. However, stakeholders stress that domestic resource mobilization, strong monitoring frameworks, and long-term funding are necessary for sustained impact.
As MAMII moves into its implementation phase, experts urge the Nigerian government to ensure accountability, workforce training, and community ownership to achieve lasting maternal and neonatal healthcare improvements.
