By Sola Ogundipe

The Federal Government has announced free Cesarean Sections (C-Sections) for Nigerian women who require the procedure.

A C-section, also called a Cesarean delivery, is a surgical procedure in which a baby is delivered through incisions in the pregnant woman’s abdomen and uterus. It is performed when a vaginal delivery isn’t possible or safe, or when the health of the mother or the baby is at risk.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammed Ali Pate who made the announcement in Abuja on Thursday, on day 2 of the Joint Annual Review, JAR, conference, said that no woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section.

The development came as the Minister launched the Maternal Mortality Reduction Initiative, MAMII, a groundbreaking effort by the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare aimed at tackling Nigeria’s critical maternal and neonatal mortality rates—among the highest globally.

Through MAMII, it is expected that access to affordable, quality healthcare for mothers and newborns are to be prioritised, focusing on primary health services and community involvement.

A statement on the official X handle of the apex health ministry @Fmohnigeria quoted Pate as saying: “No woman should lose her life simply because she can’t afford a C-section. This initiative is part of the new Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) project.

“Nigeria continues to face significant health challenges, with maternal mortality at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births and neonatal mortality at 41 deaths per 1,000 live births.

“The country also has a low uptake of essential health services. MAMII aims to reduce these rates by improving access to quality healthcare, strengthening primary health care (PHC) services, and fostering greater community engagement.”

Pate assured that the government was committed to improving maternal and neonatal health in Nigeria, saying, “Together, we’re building a future where every Nigerian mother and child can thrive.”

Among key partners that made major commitments during the event was the Emir of Shonga, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, who said, “Traditional institutions and communities are at the heart of health reforms. We’re fully in!”

Also speaking, the Chairman , Nigeria Health Commissioners Forum, Oyebanji Filani noted that “MAMII is a marathon, not a sprint! Health commissioners are al in for implementation.”

On his part, the President, Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Engr. Bello Lawal expressed confidence about the project. “We’re aligning with the Federal Government to ensure grassroots support. Full steam ahead!”, he stated.

The Country Representative of the World Health Organization, Dr Walter Mulombo said, “If implemented right, this initiative will deliver. We’re here to support every step of the way!”

The Practice Manager, World Bank Africa, Trina Haque, noted that “MAMII is a game-changer! We’re committed to funding and expertise. Let’s close the gaps!”

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in its own view was optimistic, saying, “Exciting progress! We’re dedicated to making maternal and child health a priority.”

C-sections are major surgeries that are recommended when medically necessary. The WHO estimates that around 2.7 percent of births in Nigeria occur through C-Sections. The rate varies by region, with the South-West having the highest rate at 4.7 percent.

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The West Africa Post Graduate College of Medical Laboratory Science (WAPCMLS) has stated that the Nigerian government spends N8 billion annually to import vaccines from the USA and Europe.

The General Secretary/Registrar of the College, Dr Godswill Okara, disclosed this at the 4th induction/oath-taking ceremony of the 2023/2024 qualified graduates of Medical Laboratory Science at Edo State University, Uzairue, in Etsako West Local Government Area.

Okara said the amount was spent to import vaccines from Belgium, India, the USA, France, Indonesia, Russia, Singapore, Denmark, South Korea, Germany, and the UAE annually.

He, however, called on the Federal Government to, as a matter of priority, support laboratory systems by developing a national laboratory policy within the national health development plan that would guide the implementation of a national strategic laboratory plan.

“To strengthen healthcare services in Nigeria, the Federal Government must unveil the National Medical Laboratory Service Policy to address the challenges confronting health services across the federation.

“The policy must serve as a strategic framework to strengthen the laboratory systems across the country,” he said.

Okara, who was the guest speaker at the event, stated that medical laboratory scientists in Nigeria must rise to the challenge of producing human vaccines and biologicals in the country.

The General Secretary/Registrar, WAPCMLS, who spoke on the topic, “Expanding Horizons: The Evolving Role of Medical Laboratory Scientists in Global Health and Innovation Post-COVID-19,” opined that medical laboratory scientists are indispensable in the fight against diseases and in protecting human health and life.

“The medical laboratory scientist is at the heart of accurate diagnosis of diseases, monitoring of treatment and management of patients, prevention, surveillance, and control of diseases locally and globally.

“Education and training hold the key to resolving the myriad of health problems facing Africa and the world,” he said.

“Medical laboratory scientists constitute a key profession in the medical fraternity and also form the backbone of medical research.

“Laboratory scientists provide prompt and accurate diagnoses in most conditions, thus allowing scientific and effective treatment to be instituted,” he added.

He noted that medical laboratory scientists around the world have been delivering on testing, accelerating research, and innovating at an unparalleled scale, which has led to the development of new diagnostics, vaccines, and therapeutics after COVID-19.

He posited that biomedical laboratory scientists have worked around the clock dealing with the immense numbers of samples that have needed testing.

“If there is something we have learned, it is that laboratory systems and medical laboratory scientists are of vital importance to national and global preparedness, and this should become a priority investment moving forward,” he said.

In his remarks, the Acting Vice Chancellor of the university, Prof Dawood Egbefo, advised the inductees to be professional in performing diagnostic tests on patient samples, analyzing results, and ensuring accuracy through quality control measures.

Earlier, Prof Tosan Erhabor, Registrar/CEO of the MLSCN, who administered the oath to the inductees, urged them to always adhere to the rules of the profession.

Erhabor, who was represented by Dr Chris Mbata, noted that the rules are ethical guidelines binding on every laboratory scientist in Nigeria.