The Federal Government has declared that its collaboration with the Ondo State Government on the project named Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative is making progress.
It was gathered that the MAMII project is an initiative of the Federal Government aimed at reducing child and maternal mortality rates in the country.
The Director for Family Planning in the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr Aminat Muhammed, stated this at a workshop on MAMII project in Akure, the state capital, on Friday.
Muhammed, who pointed out that the state lagged behind in child immunisation but explained that the MAMII project aimed to reduce to the nearest minimum the rate of child and maternal mortality in the country, including Ondo State.
According to her, most of the maternal and child mortality recorded in the country could be prevented if accurate and necessary care were administered on time.
She also noted that in the Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey, Ondo State recorded 80 per cent skilled birth attendance between the last quarter of 2024 to the first quarter of 2025, which was well above the national average of 45.7 per cent from 2023.
The director said, “Ondo State has made commendable progress in skilled birth attendance with performance consistently above 80 per cent across Q3 2024 to Q1 2025, well above the national average of 45.7 per cent from the recent NDHS 2023. However, fully immunised children stand at 51 per cent, still trailing behind the regional average of 52.9 per cent.
“The MAMII initiative arrives at a critical juncture. It is a response to data, a response to disparities, and a response to life that can be saved if timely and quality care is delivered. On the official activation of MAMII, this is a bold and timely step towards safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers and children.
“As MAMII comes alive in Ondo State, may this initiative foster collaboration and deliver fast, measurable impact in reducing maternal mortality. We stand ready to support, partner and work this journey together with Ondo State towards safer health care for all our children and children.”
Also speaking at the workshop, the Ondo State Governor, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, disclosed that the MAMII coordinator after a field visit had informed his government of some of the challenges facing the health sector in the state which includes inadequate staffing, lack of functional ambulance service, poor road network leading to health facilities, among others.
Aiyedatiwa, who was represented by his deputy, Olayide Adelami, also said practical recommendations had been made to the government on how to address these issues some of which are subsidizing essential medication and health care services, provision of alternative power supply to guarantee uninterrupted care during deliveries and emergencies, recruitment of additional health personnel, and proper funding of existing facilities.
The governor emphasised his administration committee in taking these recommendations seriously by prioritising action plans and working with relevant ministries, departments and agencies to develop a strategy for implementation.
Aiyedatiwa said, “I was aware that during the course of this workshop, field visits were conducted to selected health facilities. This visit offered a first-hand knowledge of the realities on the ground. I have been informed by my Special Adviser on Health that this workshop has recommended practical and forward-thinking recommendations.
“I want to reassure everyone that we take these recommendations seriously. The Ministry of Health will collate and prioritise these action points and work with relevant MDAs to develop a phased intervention strategy for implementation.
“Our administration remains unwavering in its commitment to improving healthcare delivery across the state. Specifically, we will continue to invest in the recruitment of qualified health personnel for our hospitals and health centres. Let me use this opportunity to express my deepest appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health, other Federal Government Agencies, National SWAP office, development partners and all stakeholders whose contributions made this workshop a remarkable success”, he concluded.
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