FG Begins Distribution of Medical Equipment to 252 Facilities to Reduce Maternal, Newborn Deaths
FG Begins Distribution of Medical Equipment to 252 Facilities to Reduce Maternal, Newborn Deaths
FG Begins Distribution of Medical Equipment to 252 Facilities to Reduce Maternal, Newborn Deaths
The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has commenced the distribution of medical equipment to 252 Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) facilities across 30 states as part of efforts to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services nationwide.
The initiative is aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality by improving access to critical healthcare equipment and enhancing emergency care delivery.
Under the programme, each state is expected to receive nearly $200,000 worth of medical equipment tailored to priority needs identified by the respective states. The equipment includes oxygen concentrators, pharmaceutical-grade refrigerators, incubators and baby warmers.
Speaking at the launch of the initiative, Dr. Muyi Aina, Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), who represented the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, disclosed that more than 40,000 women had already benefited from CEmONC services across the country.
He described the distribution of the equipment as part of the Federal Government’s commitment under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to strengthen healthcare delivery and improve survival outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Also speaking, the National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordination Office, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, said the intervention aligns with the Health Sector Compact, which focuses on strengthening reforms, accountability and measurable outcomes within the health sector.
He noted that the SWAp model promotes sustainability, national ownership and accountable use of resources aimed at improving healthcare delivery.
The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, represented by Dr. Nnenna Kalu, described the intervention as a major step toward reducing the financial burden associated with maternal healthcare.
According to him, since 2024, the NHIA has supported CEmONC services across 245 healthcare facilities, with thousands of claims processed, reflecting improved access to care and reduced financial hardship for families.
Federal and state officials, alongside development partners including the World Bank, reaffirmed their commitment to improving maternal and newborn healthcare outcomes through stronger collaboration and coordinated interventions.
The equipment rollout is being implemented under the SWAp framework, with state governments expected to complement federal investments through infrastructure improvements and workforce support to ensure the initiative delivers lasting impact.
Officials noted that the intervention forms part of broader efforts to build a responsive healthcare system capable of protecting vulnerable populations and improving access to quality care across the country.
FG Begins Distribution of Medical Equipment to 252 Facilities to Reduce Maternal, Newborn Deaths
