The National Coordinator of the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordinating Office, under the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq has announced the activation of 56 Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) centers some local government areas with high maternal mortality rates.
He 
announced this during a five-day workshop to sensitize healthcare workers in the state on an improved approach to enhancing maternal and newborn well-being held in Gusau, the Zamfara State Capital.
Dr. Sadiq represented by the Deputy Director, SWAp Coordinating Office, Mr Omoruyi Iyahan explained that the effort was to ensure sustainable improvement on Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction.
“National SWAP has identified 172 LGAs with high maternal mortality rates by the grace of God, we have activated 56 MAMII centers to tackle the problem so far,”
He maintained that the initiative has recorded outstanding achievements especially in the 32 States so far visited.
“Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) came up as a result of of the terrible health indices in the Nigeria health sector. We see alot of unnecessary deaths of women and children. So the government had to think what do we do to reduce the unfortunate death among our women and children that is why framework of MAMII come about”
Dr Mustaqa Sadiq pointed out that, MAMII was designed to address five critical issues contributing to maternal mortality which included delay in seeking care, delay in accessing care, delay in taking responsibility, delay in coordination, and delay in receiving appropriate care.
“We are in Zamfara State to understand the root causes of maternal mortality within local communities and to co-create solutions that are both innovative and sustainable,”
Also speaking at the event, the SWAP Desk Officer at the Zamfara State Ministry of Health, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Wanzamai, explained that the MAMII state activation workshop is aimed at developing a strategic framework and intervention suite to reduce maternal deaths in the state.
Dr. Wanzamai who presented a short film to illustrate the rising cases of maternal mortality in rural communities, urged participants to actively engage in discussions, listen attentively, and contribute meaningfully to the initiative’s objectives.
Earlier, Zamfara State Commissioner for Health, Dr Nafisa Maradun stated that, the workshop was a clarion call and a shared vision to save the lives of mothers and newborns across Zamfara State
According to Maradun, Maternal and newborn health is one of the most pressing public health challenges in the state and indeed across many parts of Nigeria.
“Each life lost to preventable causes during childbirth is a stark reminder of the work we have yet to do But today, we stand at a turning point. One where innovation, collaboration, and unwavering commitment intersect to change the narrative”
Dr Maradun pointed out that, the MAMII project represents a bold and strategic step in their collective efforts to improve maternal and newborn outcomes.
“It is a platform that brings together ideas, evidence-based interventions, and community-driven solutions to ensure that no woman dies while giving birth”
“The Zamfara State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, the Executive Governor, has made the health and well-being of our citizens a top priority.
Dr Nafisa Mohammed Maradun stressed that, the MAAMI project aligns with Zamfara state health vision and brings additional resources, knowledge, and energy to their efforts.
She commend the partners, stakeholders, and development agencies involved in the initiative, saying that, together, they can create a future where no mother fears childbirth and every newborn has a chance to thrive.
In conclusion, I
Dr Maradun urged all participants to approach the workshop with a spirit of innovation, collaboration, and determination, leave here not just with ideas, but with actionable commitments to transform maternal and newborn health in Zamfara State.
Also Speaking, the Chief Executive Officer, Solina Centre for International Development and Research.SCIDAR
Dr Uche Ibokwe represented by the Zamfara state programme lead Farouk Abdulkadir Mayana expressed readiness to provide support toward crashing maternal mortality in the state.
COV/AMINU DALHATU.
