Nigeria launches $65 million initiative to reduce maternal and newborn deaths

The Nigerian government launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) Private Sector Compact to lower preventable deaths among mothers and newborns.

The initiative will begin its work in 172 high-burden local government areas across 33 states, including regions like Abia, Cross River, Bauchi, Borno, Kaduna, Kano, Ogun, Anambra, and Ondo. The compact coordinates resources from the private sector, non-governmental organizations, and philanthropic groups.

Partners including the Gates Foundation, MTN Group Foundation, and MSD for Mothers have signaled their intent to support the initiative. The framework aims to align these private resources and technical expertise with national health priorities to fill gaps in service delivery. The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, announced the plan as part of a broader effort to strengthen the national health system.

The initiative addresses a crisis where Nigeria faces an estimated 40,000 maternal deaths and 300,000 newborn deaths every year. Officials also introduced the TEAM OB/NEO training curriculum and five national policies, including the National Sexual and Reproductive Health Policy. Partners will now move to the next stage by agreeing on delivery milestones and deploying resources to the areas with the highest need. They will report on progress based on specific maternal and newborn health outcomes.