FCT launches team to reduce maternal deaths
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The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration in Abuja, Nigeria, created a taskforce of health experts to lower maternal and newborn deaths in the region through the Maternal and Neonatal Mortal Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
The MAMII program operates in 172 Local Government Areas across 33 Nigerian states, areas responsible for about 55 percent of the country’s maternal deaths.
The initiative aims to increase healthcare use and skilled birth attendance by at least 60 percent, with a goal of reducing maternal mortality nationwide by 30 percent. Dr. Dalopo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary of FCT Health and Environment Services, tasked the team with eliminating maternal mortality, stating the work would continue as long as women deliver in the FCT. Dr.
Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of MAMII, reported the program has already led to a 17 percent decrease in maternal mortality in under two years. Adeyanju explained that many pregnant women in rural communities still rely on traditional birth attendants instead of hospitals, a trend linked to cultural factors. He urged the taskforce to address this issue and encourage women to use Primary Healthcare facilities, where free delivery services, including cesarean sections, are available.
The inauguration included representatives from the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, traditional leaders, and pregnant women.
