BY EMMANUELLA OGHENETEGA
THE Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has taken strides to rein in maternal mortality during childbirth. This, is as it launches national policies and guidelines to transform maternal health in the nation.
The Minister, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, during his speak at the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day commemoration in Abuja on Tuesday, asserted, that no woman should die while trying to give life and that safe childbirth must become a national guarantee not a gamble.
“Our theme this year, ‘Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality’, is a call to action for every stakeholder.
”No woman should die giving life, and no child should be born into preventable suffering,” the minister said. “Safe Motherhood is not merely a health agenda it is a moral imperative and a critical measure of our national progress.”
During the course of the event, the minister launched six new national policy and training documents designed to standardize care and improve maternal health services nationwide.
It included; Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024–2028): A national roadmap for reducing maternal deaths; Guidelines for the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH); Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Guidelines; Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals; RMNCAEH+N Quality of Care Strategy; and National Training Manual on Obstetric Fistula Management
In the words of the Minister, “These documents reflect our government’s commitment to building a resilient, people-centered health system that anticipates and prevents maternal and newborn emergencies.”
He also highlighted major strides under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, including: Strengthened primary healthcare delivery; Expanded access to skilled birth attendants; Free fistula care in 15 centers; Scale-up of free emergency obstetric care (CEmONC); Broader health insurance coverage; and Operationalization of emergency medical services across 23 states.
Noting, that “These reforms are already yielding improved health indicators in several states,” and added that the government remains resolute in ensuring maternal care reaches the poorest and most vulnerable populations.
Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health Daju Kachollom emphasized that the Safe Motherhood Day was not only a day of reflection but a moment for action and renewed partnerships.
“Maternal mortality is not just a statistic it’s a personal tragedy and a call to strengthen our systems,” he said. “Our slogan, ‘Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies’, reminds us that the health of mothers is the foundation of healthier generations.”
She reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to respectful, inclusive, and accessible maternal health care, especially in underserved rural communities.
Calling on stakeholders, the Coordinating Minister urged for a collective ownership of the national maternal health agenda.
“Let us ensure that no woman dies while giving life. Let every child born in Nigeria take their first breath in safety and hope.”
