Nigeria has introduced a plan to provide free emergency cesarean sections to “poor and vulnerable” women, aiming to reduce the high maternal mortality rate. With a rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births, Nigeria has the fourth highest maternal mortality rate globally, and the lack of access to cesarean sections is believed to contribute to this issue.
Many women, particularly in rural areas, cannot afford emergency care, with a cesarean costing around 60,000 naira ($36; £28) on average. Over 40% of Nigerians live below the extreme poverty line of $2.15 per day, making such procedures unaffordable for many.
The Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative, launched recently, will enable eligible women to receive cesareans in public hospitals. To qualify, women must be registered under the public health insurance scheme. The initiative seeks to remove financial barriers and ensure critical care is available to those in need.
Public hospital social welfare units will help identify women who cannot afford the procedure. Health Minister Muhammad Pate emphasized the importance of this policy in addressing the unacceptably high maternal mortality rate. Cesareans are crucial for preventing complications like obstructed labor, which can lead to severe hemorrhage or uterine rupture.
The initiative has garnered support from organizations like the World Bank and the WHO, who view it as a potential game-changer for maternal health in Nigeria. Experts believe it will improve health outcomes, particularly for low-income women who might otherwise turn to unsafe alternatives for care. NGOs such as HACEY and the Women of Purpose Foundation have also praised the initiative, calling for additional support such as free drugs and ultrasounds for pregnant women.
NGI 
NewsGlobal Reporters