Nigeria is beginning to record measurable progress in maternal and child health, as government-led interventions drive improvements in antenatal care attendance and safer childbirth practices. Central to this shift is a growing emphasis on data-driven healthcare, expanded access to free services, and large-scale immunisation campaigns—though significant gaps in access and coverage remain.
According to the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), more than 223,000 pregnant women are now being actively tracked under a targeted national programme designed to reduce preventable deaths. The initiative, known as the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMI), follows women throughout pregnancy, linking them with appropriate care and monitoring their progress to ensure safer outcomes.
Speaking at a first-quarter 2026 media briefing in Abuja, the agency’s Executive Director, Muyi Aina, explained that the approach combines real-time data tracking with service delivery. By identifying pregnant women early and supporting them through antenatal care and delivery, the programme aims to close critical gaps that have historically contributed to high mortality rates.
So far, 223,784 women have been enrolled across selected states, with the programme now operational in 33 states nationwide. While comprehensive national data is still being compiled, early indicators suggest the model is yielding results in targeted areas.
Nigeria continues to face one of the highest maternal mortality burdens globally. Data from the World Health Organisation shows that in 2023, approximately 260,000 women died worldwide from pregnancy and childbirth-related causes, with sub-Saharan Africa accounting for nearly 70 per cent of those deaths. Nigeria alone contributes a disproportionately high share, estimated at over 28 per cent of global maternal fatalities.
The country’s maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. Newborn mortality is also a major concern, particularly within the first 28 days of life, when preventable conditions such as infections, birth complications, and preterm-related issues are most common.
Health experts attribute these outcomes to a combination of systemic challenges, including weak healthcare infrastructure, shortages of skilled personnel, delays in accessing care, and the financial burden placed on families. Rural communities are particularly affected, where facilities are often limited or poorly equipped.
Despite these challenges, recent data points to encouraging trends. In areas supported by the MAMI initiative, antenatal care attendance rose by 15.3 per cent in the first quarter of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. Even more significantly, deliveries attended by skilled health workers increased by 31 per cent, a critical factor in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths.
These improvements are linked to targeted interventions such as risk profiling during pregnancy and strengthened referral systems. Pregnant women are assessed to determine whether they can safely deliver at primary health centres or require more advanced care at higher-level facilities.
To further support safe deliveries, the government has introduced practical incentives. More than 111,000 women have received “Mama Kits,” which contain essential items for childbirth. In addition, emergency maternal services—including caesarean sections—are being provided free of charge under government-backed programmes, reducing financial barriers that often delay critical care.
Alongside maternal health efforts, child health interventions are also expanding. The NPHCDA reports that a nationwide measles-rubella vaccination campaign has reached approximately 102 million children between the ages of nine months and 14 years. This marks one of the largest immunisation drives in the country’s history and is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of preventable childhood diseases.
However, officials caution that full immunity requires follow-up doses, raising concerns about whether children will return to health facilities to complete the vaccination schedule. Sustained public awareness and access will be key to ensuring long-term impact.
While progress is evident, authorities acknowledge that current interventions do not yet cover the entire population. Many high-risk communities remain underserved, and scaling these programmes nationwide will require sustained investment and coordination.
As Nigeria works toward meeting global health targets, including the Sustainable Development Goals for maternal and child survival by 2030, the current gains offer cautious optimism. The combination of data tracking, expanded healthcare access, and preventive strategies is beginning to shift outcomes—but the path to lasting, nationwide improvement remains a work in progress.
