The federal government, in collaboration with the Katsina State government, on Friday, launched the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) as a strategy to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in the country.

Muntaqa Sadiq-Umar, the national coordinator of the Sector-Wide Coordination Office, stated in Katsina that the initiative was aimed at addressing the alarming health indices related to maternal and infant mortality.

The coordinator was represented by Omorugi Iyahen.

According to Mr Sadiq-Umar, MAMII brings together all key stakeholders in the health sector to develop solutions to the troubling statistics surrounding maternal and neonatal mortality.

He revealed that 172 local government areas across Nigeria were affected by high rates of maternal and neonatal deaths, with 15 of them located in Katsina State.

“That is why the Minister emphasised the need to prioritise Katsina in the activation of this programme,” he said.

“We want to ensure that by the end of 2027, we have a completely different story to tell.”

In her remarks, the wife of the Katsina State governor, Zulaihat Dikko Radda, praised the federal government for the initiative, saying it would go a long way in saving the lives of women and children.

“As a mother and a strong advocate for women’s health, I am deeply touched by the statistics and the realities of maternal and neonatal deaths.

“It is my belief that when women are given the right information and supported with compassionate care, we can significantly reduce maternal deaths and give every child a fighting chance from birth,” she said.

Mrs Dikko-Radda added that her NGO had engaged 50 volunteers currently working in communities to mobilise women and ensure they received antenatal care and delivery at health facilities.

Also speaking, the state MAMII focal person, Aminu Lawal, noted that Katsina State had one of the highest rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.

He attributed the high mortality rate to various delays, including, delay in seeking healthcare, and delay in reaching healthcare facilities.

Other delays included that of receiving adequate care, in taking responsibility, and delay in coordination of services.

Shamsuddeen Yahaya is the executive secretary of the state primary healthcare development agency.

Mr Yahaya disclosed that Katsina, Kaita, Daura, Mani, and Batagarawa Local Government Areas had the highest number of maternal deaths in the state.

He cited findings from a survey conducted between December 2023 and November 2024, attributing the majority of these deaths to obstetric hemorrhage and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, among other causes.

(NAN)