Nigeria To Offer Free C-Section Surgery

The Nigerian government has announced that it will provide free cesarean sections (C-sections) to women in order to reduce maternal mortality rates.

This was revealed by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate, during the launch of the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative (MAMII) in Abuja on Thursday. The launch took place during the ongoing joint annual review (JAR) of the sector-wide approach (SWAp) for health.

Pate explained that the initiative is part of the government’s broader efforts to address Nigeria’s high maternal and neonatal mortality rates, which are among the highest in the world.

The program aims to improve access to quality healthcare for mothers and newborns, with a strong emphasis on primary health services and involving communities.

Under the new policy, women who require C-sections, whether due to complications or as part of planned deliveries, will no longer face financial barriers to accessing the procedure. Pate emphasized that the government is focused on ensuring that essential maternal healthcare services reach even the most underserved areas of the country. “The resources are available. This is in further effort to reduce maternal mortality in the country,” Pate said, adding, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”

Walter Mulombo, the World Health Organisation (WHO) representative in Nigeria, expressed support for the initiative. He stressed that if implemented effectively, the program could significantly improve maternal healthcare in the country. “If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way,” he said.

Earlier, during the opening of JAR, Pate also urged Nigerians to hold the government accountable for improving healthcare services. “For our citizens, in line with the President’s overall direction, we want you to hold us, as well as your state and local governments, accountable for providing improved quality healthcare services and basic services that we need as a people to create a healthier nation,” he stated.

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