MTN and Gates Foundation Launch $25M Maternal Health Initiative

The Nigeria Maternal Health Multiplier programme, launched by MTN Group Foundation and the Gates Foundation, is a $25 million initiative aimed at enhancing maternal healthcare in Nigeria. The program targets reaching 500,000 women, equipping 5,000 frontline health workers, and supporting 500 health facilities by 2030.

It will utilize AI, mobile technology, and improved connectivity to address Nigeria's significant maternal health challenges, where the country accounts for nearly 30% of global maternal deaths. The initiative will deploy AI-enabled, phone-based decision-support tools for pregnant women and health workers, alongside providing affordable smartphones and mobile data.

This program will also enhance connectivity at primary healthcare facilities, ensuring access to digital health services is not location-dependent. It is designed to complement the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).

Minister Bosun Tijani and Coordinating Minister Professor Muhammad Ali Pate emphasized the importance of strengthening primary healthcare and empowering frontline workers through such partnerships.