By: TUNDE BOLAJI, MINNA.
Niger State Government has officially received the guiding document for the implementation of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).
This was done during a symbolic presentation at the Primary Health Center in Paiko, Paikoro Local Government Area of the state.
Dr. Abdullahi Imam, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, highlighted the extensive collaboration among stakeholders over the past five days to devise a comprehensive plan to tackle maternal and newborn deaths.
He confirmed that all critical pillars identified as key factors in reducing these fatalities will be activated to address this pressing issue effectively.
Dr. Amina Mohammed, Director and Head of Child Health at the Federal Ministry of Health and the team Lead for MAMII activation in Niger State, elaborated on the initiative’s framework.
She emphasized that the program consists of six core pillars addressing delays in maternal care.
The key components include Community Engagement and Service Delivery which involves raising awareness among men and community leaders about the importance of maternal health.
Secondly, there is Facility and Service Readiness, which tries to ensure health facilities are equipped with the necessary personnel and commodities.
The third component is the Physical and Financial Support, which guarantees adequate space for emergencies and financial assistance for vulnerable populations.
The National Insurance Scheme provides healthcare access for the most vulnerable groups, which is the fourth component.
The fifth strategic pillar is the Enablers, who are responsible for Fostering partnerships and resources to support the initiative, and last of the pillars is the Data and surveillance, implementing systems for accountability, avoiding duplication of efforts, and ensuring synergy among stakeholders.
Dr. Mustapha Yahaya Makanta, the MAMII State Lead, noted that the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health, has identified the Local Government Areas contributing most to maternal and child mortality.
He specifically pointed out Gbako, Borgu, Paikoro, and Munya as the four Local Governments in Niger State with the highest rates.
Earlier on, Yakubu Shuaibu, representing the chairman of the Paikoro Local Government, alongside Hakimin Paiko Alhaji Mustapha Baba Mustapha and Partners from the Society for Family Health and the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, urged mothers to take advantage of this initiative by seeking medical care as soon as they become pregnant.
Pregnant women, including representatives Suwaiba Mohammed and Maryam Umar, expressed gratitude toward the State Government for launching this vital initiative aimed at saving lives and promoting healthier futures for mothers and newborns.
The event concluded with the presentation of a plaque to the Permanent Secretary on behalf of the State Government and the formal unveiling of the MAMII implementation document.
