By Bilkis Abdulraheem Lawal
The Lagos State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has officially launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a comprehensive effort aimed at tackling Nigeria’s high maternal and newborn death rates through strengthened primary healthcare delivery and context-specific solutions.
Speaking at the activation ceremony held at Ogba Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ikeja, which serves as the state’s rollout site, the National Lead of MAMII, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, described the initiative as a sector-wide, evidence-driven strategy designed to drastically reduce maternal and neonatal mortality through improved access, financing, and coordination.
Dr Adeyanju revealed that Nigeria currently accounts for about 30 per cent of global maternal deaths, a worrying figure that spurred the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, to strengthen the nation’s health system and ensure that no woman dies while giving life.
He added that Lagos State is among the implementing states for MAMII, with plans in place for free emergency transportation, revitalised PHCs, and designated hospitals equipped to provide life-saving Caesarean sections for women in need.
The Director of Health Care Planning, Research and Statistics at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr Olajumoke Oyenuga, said the activation workshop enabled stakeholders to identify the root causes of maternal deaths, ranging from sociocultural barriers and transportation challenges to health worker attitudes and facility readiness, and to co-design locally adaptable solutions.
Also speaking, the Medical Officer of Health, Ikeja Local Government, Dr Tawak Oluwakemi Folashade, reaffirmed the council’s commitment to the initiative, noting that the activation represents hope for safer motherhood and stronger communities.
In her contribution, Mrs Rasheedat Sanni-Afolabi, the Health Education Officer of Ikeja Local Government, highlighted the importance of health education and community engagement in achieving MAMII’s goals. She commended the active participation of men during the activation, describing it as a crucial step in promoting shared responsibility for maternal health.
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