Femi Falana, Human rights lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), has urged both federal and state governments. To expand free maternal health medical services to indigent pregnant women across the country. According to him, this remains the most effective way to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates in Nigeria.
Falana, who spoke in a recent statement as Chairman of the Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond, referenced recent government efforts to improve maternal health. He recalled that in November 2023, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare. Prof. Muhammad Pate, announced the introduction of free caesarean sections for women in need. The initiative was launched under the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Programme aimed at curbing preventable deaths.
Furthermore, in April 2024, the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA). Confirmed that free caesarean sections had commenced in more than 100 hospitals nationwide. At the time, NHIA Director-General, Kelechi Ohiri, explained that the intervention was carried out under the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care Programme.
Falana acknowledged these initiatives as positive steps but stressed that their current reach is not sufficient. He emphasized that maternal and newborn health interventions must be broadened to include all indigent pregnant women across Nigeria. By doing so, the country can drastically reduce maternal and infant deaths, particularly in underserved communities.
He stated: “Since the initiative represents a commitment to reducing maternal and newborn mortality across Nigeria, the federal government, state governments, and the Federal Capital Territory must extend it to all indigent pregnant women. This is the only way to bring maternal and infant mortality down to the barest minimum.”
