Coalition of over 100 Civil Society Organisations, CSOs, has urged the federal government to ensure the effective implementation of its $1 billion fund to address child and maternal mortality.
A press statement signed by 115 CSOs recently lauded the federal government for taking a positive step to approve the funds.
According to them, “Maternal and child mortality remains a public health crisis in Nigeria, with countless families losing loved ones due to inadequate health infrastructure, limited access to skilled birth attendants and socio-economic barriers.
“This funding presents an unprecedented opportunity to address these root causes—if deployed with transparency, accountability and community engagement at its core,” the statement reads in part.
On March 9, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Ali Pate announced the approval of $1 billion during the launch of the Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Initiative, MAMII, in Ogun State.
Pate disclosed that the funds would address maternal and child mortality rates across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, FCT.
Emphasising the need for transparency in fund utilisation and requesting their inclusion in the process, the CSOs urged government to collaborate with the World Bank, World Health Organisation and United Nations agencies to reach the grassroots.
The CSOs stated that financial investment alone is insufficient in reducing maternal and child mortality; and recommended that comprehensive strategies be incorporated.
“These include strengthening primary healthcare systems, training and retaining healthcare workers, improving emergency transportation for expectant mothers and addressing social determinants such as maternal education and nutrition,” the statement said.
The CSOs affirmed their commitment to support the initiative by committing to advocacy, research and community engagement through their platforms, while calling on stakeholders to unite in the fight against maternal and child health in Nigeria.
