The Federal Government of Nigeria has unveiled a series of groundbreaking, scalable innovations aimed at reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality, signaling a renewed commitment to improving health outcomes in the country.
Speaking during a high-level panel at the 78th World Health Assembly in Geneva, Switzerland, Nigeria’s Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, outlined the country’s bold initiatives to address persistent gaps in maternal and child healthcare.
“The lives of women and children, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, continue to be lost needlessly due to preventable causes,” Dr. Salako said. “Our actions must reflect the truth that maternal and newborn deaths are preventable.”
Themed “Innovate to Scale: Bending the Curve on Health MNCH SDGs,” the event brought together global health leaders to accelerate progress toward the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
At the center of Nigeria’s efforts is the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII), launched in 2024 under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration. Dr. Salako described MAMII as a data-driven initiative targeting 172 local government areas responsible for over half of Nigeria’s maternal deaths.
“Pregnant women are line-listed and linked to facilities through community structures,” he explained. “Delivery at health facilities is incentivized with kits containing essential items for mothers and newborns.”
The initiative also includes digital health tools, emergency transport solutions, and community-based interventions to bridge critical care gaps.
Complementing MAMII is the Safer Births Initiative, which integrates life-saving technologies such as fetal heart monitors and newborn resuscitation devices with simulation based training to improve emergency obstetric and neonatal care.
Nigeria’s strategy also emphasizes cultural sensitivity and community engagement. Traditional birth attendants are now being involved as partners, while community and religious leaders are enlisted to foster trust and encourage health-seeking behavior.
Looking ahead, Dr. Salako disclosed that Nigeria plans to expand these innovations with AI-powered mobile ultrasound technology and deepen investments in primary healthcare systems.
“We are not just innovating for impact,” he said. “We are institutionalizing what works, scaling it sustainably, and making sure it reaches those who need it most.”
Dr. Salako concluded with a call for international collaboration: “The journey ahead demands solidarity, evidence-based solutions, and courageous leadership. Let us bend the curve for every mother, every newborn, and every child.”