Nigeria has announced a new program offering free emergency Caesarean sections for poor and vulnerable women to help reduce the high number of mothers dying during childbirth.
Currently, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with 1,047 d3aths for every 100,000 live births.
Many pregnant women, especially in rural areas, struggle to get emergency care because they can’t afford it. Health Minister Muhammad Pate stated, “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.”
In Nigeria, a Caesarean can cost around 60,000 naira ($36), which is too much for many families since over 40% of Nigerians live on less than $2.15 a day.
The new program, called the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, will allow eligible women to receive free Caesarean sections at public hospitals. To qualify, women must be registered in the national public health insurance program.
ALSO READ: Sixteen Grade 7 pupils fall pregnant in Mbire
The health minister noted that this initiative aims to eliminate financial barriers so that no woman in need is denied care due to cost. Social workers in hospitals will help identify women who cannot afford the procedure.
Maternal deaths can happen due to severe bleeding, high blood pressure, unsafe abortions, and complications during labor. Emergency C-sections are important for preventing serious problems, especially if labor is obstructed.
International organizations such as the World Bank and the WHO support this initiative, calling it a potential “game-changer.” The program is expected to improve the health of mothers and children in Nigeria, particularly for those from low-income communities who might otherwise turn to unsafe healthcare options.
Advocates like Rhoda Robinson and Mabel Onwuemena commend the plan but encourage the government to expand it to include free medications and ultrasound services for pregnant women.
