In a landmark move to address maternal mortality and improve access to life-saving healthcare, the federal government’s nationwide Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) Programme is making significant strides across Nigeria. Launched in August 2024, the initiative provides free emergency Caesarean Section (C-Section) and other critical maternal and neonatal healthcare services to vulnerable and economically disadvantaged pregnant women.
Progress and Achievements
The programme has achieved remarkable milestones since its inception. Independent verification of 706 out of 887 claims submitted by participating facilities has been completed, representing an 80% verification rate. Payments are being processed efficiently, with 663 verified claims already settled and 169 payments currently underway. This transparent and accountable claims management system has fostered trust among stakeholders and ensured timely reimbursement to healthcare facilities via the National Health Insurance Agency.
Initially launched in four pilot facilities in Kano and Akwa Ibom States, the programme has expanded to seven additional healthcare institutions in Bauchi, Sokoto, Kebbi, and Borno. These facilities are strategically located in high-burden regions, directly addressing maternal health inequities. Furthermore, 31 out of 69 eligible tertiary facilities have formalized their interest in joining the programme through a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), highlighting its scalability and nationwide appeal.
Targeting Maternal Mortality
The CEmONC programme focuses on addressing the leading causes of maternal mortality, including postpartum haemorrhage, vesicovaginal fistula (VVF), sepsis, and obstructed labour. By providing free C-Sections and other life-saving interventions, the initiative ensures that critical maternal health services are accessible to vulnerable women, particularly in underserved regions.
Complementing the free C-Section initiative is a VVF surgical repair programme, which has already covered 50% of the 172 priority local government areas contributing to high maternal death rates. These targeted interventions underscore the government’s commitment to tackling the root causes of maternal mortality and improving health outcomes for women and newborns.
Broader Healthcare Reforms
The CEmONC programme is part of the Presidential Initiative to Unlock the Healthcare Value Chain, a strategic framework aimed at systemic healthcare improvements.
Key initiatives under this framework include:
Upgrading 40% of Level 1 Primary Health Centres to Level 2 by the end of 2025, enabling them to offer integrated sexual and reproductive health services, including family planning and post-abortion care.
Training over 60,000 frontline health workers in comprehensive sexual and reproductive health (SRH) service delivery to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
Deploying National Health Fellows to oversee programme implementation and support primary health centres across all 774 local government areas.
Local Manufacturing and Healthcare Value Chain
The federal government’s efforts to boost local manufacturing of drugs, vaccines, and medical supplies are also yielding results. Notable achievements include:
The establishment of a Beta Lactam antibiotics manufacturing plant by Jawa Pharmaceuticals, creating over 700 direct jobs.
Local production of critical diagnostic kits for malaria, HIV, and blood sugar by firms like Colexa Biosensor.
Facilitating World Health Organization (WHO) prequalification for some local pharmaceutical companies with the support of NAFDAC and the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Developing modalities for local vaccine production.
These initiatives are a direct result of the Executive Order signed by President Bola Tinubu to unlock the healthcare value chain, reduce import dependence, and lower medication costs for vulnerable populations.
A Call for Public Support
The nationwide free C-Section programme represents a significant step towards achieving universal health coverage and reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria. It reflects the federal government’s proactive approach to fostering equity in healthcare access and ensuring that no woman is left behind, regardless of geographic or socioeconomic barriers.
As the programme continues to expand and transform maternal healthcare, the public is encouraged to support and celebrate these milestones, recognizing their profound impact on Nigeria’s health landscape.
Opeyemi Akindele is an independent consultant at the intersection of health systems, strategy, and business development with over 15 years of work and academic experience in Nigeria and England. He is based in Ibadan and may be reached via akindeleopeyemi@yahoo.com.