The Lagos State Government in collaboration with the Federal Government of Nigeria has officially activated the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) in Lagos State with the Ogba Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Ikeja Local Government Area serving as the launch site for the State’s community rollout on Friday, 10th October 2025.

The activation marks the culmination of a five-day co-creation workshop aimed at addressing maternal and newborn mortality in Lagos and developing context-specific strategies to strengthen primary health care delivery.

Speaking during the ceremony, National Lead of MAMII, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, described the initiative as a sector-wide, evidence-driven strategy designed to drastically reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Nigeria through improved access, financing, and coordination.

According to him, Nigeria currently contributes about 30 percent of global maternal deaths, an alarming statistic that necessitated the intervention of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, to reposition the health system and ensure no woman dies giving life.

Dr. Adeyanju explained that MAMII identified 172 high-burden LGAs in 33 states contributing to over half of maternal deaths, prompting targeted interventions focused on facility readiness, transportation, and community engagement. He noted that Lagos is being onboarded as part of the States currently implementing MAMII, with plans for free emergency transport, revitalized PHCs, and designated hospitals offering life-saving Caesarean sections for women in need.

He emphasized that over 3,000 PHCs have already been revitalized nationwide, with additional 2,000 in progress to achieve the “one functional PHC per ward” target. He added that digital tools are being deployed to link pregnant women with care teams, emergency transport, and health facilities.

Dr. Adeyanju said the MAMII Task Force inaugurated across all States will ensure accountability and synergy among relevant MDAs and development partners. “We are determined to change the narrative, never again should pregnancy be a death sentence,” he said.

Delivering her remarks, Director of Health Care Planning, Research and Statistics, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olajumoke Oyenuga, highlighted that the activation was the climax of Lagos’ week-long co-creation workshop involving stakeholders from health agencies, traditional birth attendants, religious leaders, transport unions, and implementing partners.

She explained that the workshop enabled stakeholders to identify the root causes of maternal deaths—ranging from sociocultural barriers and transportation challenges to gaps in health worker attitudes and facility readiness—and to co-design solutions that are locally adaptable.

According to her, a detailed action plan was developed, clearly defining responsibilities for the State, partners, and the Federal Government’s SWAp Office. “We are deliberate and intentional about ensuring no woman dies giving life. Every stakeholder has a role to play,” she affirmed.

In her welcome address, Medical Officer of Health, Ikeja Local Government, Dr. Tawak Oluwakemi Folashade, assured that Ikeja is fully committed to the success of the initiative. She stated that the council has the political will and leadership backing to ensure the MAMII programme achieves its objectives.

Dr. Folashade noted that the activation represents hope for safer motherhood and stronger communities. “Here in Ikeja, we are determined to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths to the barest minimum,” she said.

Also speaking, Vice Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Hon. Abisola Omisore, urged expectant mothers to utilize available government health services and shun unsafe delivery practices. He emphasized that facilities provided by both the Federal and State Governments are meant for their benefit and safety.

He commended the Lagos State Government’s ongoing investment in free maternal care and encouraged husbands to support their wives in accessing antenatal and delivery services.

Representing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Acting State Coordinator, Mrs. Chinyere Nwaohiri, assured pregnant women that free delivery services are available across public hospitals under NHIA’s financing support for emergency obstetric and neonatal care.

She stated that no woman should deliver at home or with untrained attendants, as both PHCs and General Hospitals in Lagos offer safe, supervised, and quality care without cost.

The Health Education Officer for Ikeja Local Government, Mrs. Rasheedat Sanni-Afolabi, emphasized that health education and community enlightenment are key components of the MAMII initiative. She disclosed that the local government will intensify community engagement through ward meetings, market outreaches, and religious gatherings.

Mrs. Sanni-Afolabi noted that male participation during the activation was highly encouraging, underscoring the importance of men in promoting maternal health. “We are changing misconceptions and ensuring women are empowered with accurate information,” she said.

For beneficiaries like Mrs. Adijat Tewogbade, a pregnant mother enrolled under the Ilera Eko Health Insurance Scheme, MAMII represents renewed hope. She testified that her antenatal, scans, and tests at the General Hospital were all free, describing her experience as “smooth and encouraging.”

She applauded the Lagos State Government for its commitment to maternal health and urged other women to register at public health facilities.

The MAMII activation at Ogba PHC drew participation from community leaders, traditional birth attendants, health officials, religious leaders, and development partners, all united in one goal—to make maternal and newborn deaths a thing of the past in Lagos State.

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