FCTA Vows to Reduce Maternal, Child Mortality With Bold New Interventions

FCTA Vows to Reduce Maternal, Child Mortality With Bold New Interventions

The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reiterated its commitment to curbing maternal and child mortality through strategic health interventions and improved services for pregnant women.

During the official flag-off of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) in Abuja, the FCTA unveiled a package of free antenatal care, delivery services and health insurance for expectant mothers in the capital.

The initiative was launched as part of activities marking the 2025 World Health Day, themed “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures.”

Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment, emphasized the urgent need to address maternal health issues in Nigeria.

According to her:

“It is unfortunate that out of every 100,000 women who give birth globally, about 397 die, and 70 percent of these deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa with Nigeria sadly leading that statistic.”

Dr. Fasawe assured that the Renewed Hope Initiative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and First Lady Senator Oluremi Tinubu aims to reverse this trend through comprehensive support.

“Every pregnant woman in the FCT is entitled to free health insurance,” she announced. “And whether you give birth vaginally or via cesarean section, it is completely free.”

She commended the media for its advocacy efforts and urged continued awareness campaigns. She also encouraged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics, opt for hospital-based deliveries, and ensure their babies receive postnatal vaccinations.

“This fight is not ours alone it’s also yours,” she said to the women in attendance. “We stand today because you, our pregnant women, are the guests of honour,” she noted.

The event also served to highlight state and local governments’ commitment to health targets under the MAMII compact, signaling a unified nationwide effort.

Dr. Fasawe reiterated:

“We are ensuring that pregnant women in the FCT do not pay a kobo for antenatal care, delivery, or postnatal services. They will also be enrolled in the FCT Health Insurance Scheme at no cost,” aligning with the administration’s push for universal health coverage.

Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, the National Coordinator of MAMII, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, described the initiative as a timely and practical response to the president’s directive.

“No woman should die as a result of childbirth,” he said.

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He explained that the initiative includes free cesarean sections, mama delivery kits, transport vouchers and improved healthcare infrastructure.

“MAMII is not just a slogan,” he said. “It is a comprehensive programme aimed at ensuring that every pregnancy results in a healthy baby and a healthy mother. From providing mama kits and starter packs to revitalizing health facilities and offering transport vouchers, this initiative touches every part of the journey to motherhood.”

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative, Dr. Walter Kazadi Mulombo, praised the FCTA’s efforts and pledged the WHO’s continued support.

“With interventions like the MAMII initiative, we are hopeful that every child will be born healthy, with the opportunity to grow, thrive and prosper,” he said.

He also promised to personally oversee the implementation of the initiative.

“As the Mandate Secretary has announced that insurance will be free, I will monitor to make sure it is truly free and that you benefit from it,” he affirmed, stressing that “a healthy beginning leads to a hopeful future.”