Safe Motherhood Day: FG Reaffirms Focus on Maternal Health Outcomes

To mark 2026 Safe Motherhood Day, the Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to drastically reducing maternal and neonatal mortality across the country. Speaking in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Daju Kacholom, representing Minister Ali Pate, stated that while access to healthcare has improved, the "quality and timeliness" of care remain the most critical factors in saving lives.

The government highlighted the success of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMI), which is now operational in 32 states. Through this initiative, over 32,000 women have received emergency obstetric care in the last year alone. Additionally, the National Emergency Medical Services and Ambulance System (NEMSAS) has deployed over 600 ambulances nationwide, with pregnant women making up 60% of all emergency transports.

Despite these milestones, the Ministry acknowledged that significant gaps remain, particularly in rural areas where cultural barriers and lack of infrastructure hinder maternal health. The government announced plans to designate 2026 as the "Year of Social Development," with a specific focus on upgrading Primary Healthcare Centers (PHCs) to ensure that no woman has to travel more than 30 minutes to receive professional delivery services.

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