Nigeria unveils new policies to end Maternal Deaths

The Federal Government has introduced several new national policies and guidelines aimed at improving maternal health and reducing the high rate of maternal deaths across Nigeria.

This development was announced in Abuja during the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, where the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Mohammed Ali Pate, emphasized that no woman should lose her life while giving birth.

“Safe childbirth must become a national guarantee, not a gamble,” Prof. Pate said while addressing stakeholders on the theme, ‘Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality’. He called on all actors in the health sector to take urgent and serious steps to protect mothers and their babies.

“No woman should die giving life, and no child should be born into preventable suffering. Safe motherhood is not merely a health agenda; it is a moral responsibility and a critical sign of national development,” he added.

As part of the event’s highlights, the Minister launched six major national documents aimed at standardising maternal healthcare. These include:

The Safe Motherhood Strategy (2024–2028),

Guidelines for the Management of Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH),

Preeclampsia and Eclampsia Guidelines,

Essential Gynaecological Skills Manuals,

RMNCAEH+N Quality of Care Strategy, and

National Training Manual on Obstetric Fistula Management.

“These documents reflect our government’s commitment to building a strong and people-focused health system that is ready to prevent emergencies affecting mothers and newborns,” Prof. Pate said.

He also listed some achievements under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative, which include better primary healthcare services, more access to skilled birth attendants, free fistula treatment in 15 centres, free emergency obstetric care (CEmONC), expanded health insurance, and the launch of emergency medical services across 23 states.

“These reforms are already improving health results in several states,” he noted, stressing that the government remains determined to ensure even the poorest and most vulnerable women receive quality maternal care.

The Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Daju Kachollom, also spoke at the event, saying the Safe Motherhood Day was not just for reflection but a reminder for real action and stronger partnerships.

“Maternal mortality is not just a number, it is a personal loss and a challenge to strengthen our systems,” she said. “Our slogan, ‘Care for Moms, Hope for the Babies’, is a reminder that healthy mothers are the beginning of a healthier future.”

She also assured that the Ministry will continue to promote respectful, inclusive, and accessible maternal healthcare, especially in hard-to-reach rural areas.

As Nigeria marks the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, the message remains strong: with continued efforts, innovation, and joint responsibility, no woman should die giving birth, and every child should arrive safely and with dignity.