Nigeria Launches Incentive Scheme for Maternal Care

On Monday, the Nigerian federal government launched a new incentive scheme to improve maternal and newborn care services, addressing the country's high maternal mortality rate. Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, stated that the initiative confronts Nigeria's significant maternal mortality burden.

According to the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, a Nigerian woman has a 1-in-19 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes, compared to 1-in-4,900 in developed countries. Nigeria accounts for nearly 29% of global maternal deaths.

The Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), launched by the Tinubu administration in November 2024, targets 172 local government areas across 33 states, which represent 20% of all LGAs but account for 55% of maternal deaths. The goal is to reduce maternal mortality by 30% and neonatal mortality by 20% by 2028, providing 2.9 million pregnant women with free care.

Dr. Salako reported early progress with over 250 health facilities implementing the program, benefiting more than 32,000 women and 1,700 newborns.