Adamawa: FG Engages Stakeholders to Reduce Maternal, Neonatal Deaths in 172 LGAs

From Umar Dankano, Yola

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has engaged key stakeholders in Adamawa State to adopt the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII).

Speaking at a two-day training on the MAMII approach in Yola on Monday, Mr. Ogeh Ajirioghede from the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP) Coordination Office of the Ministry said the initiative is part of President Bola Tinubu’s reforms aimed at drastically reducing maternal and neonatal deaths across the country.

He revealed that 172 local government areas (LGAs) in 31 states, including nine in Adamawa, have been identified as hotspots contributing to 55% of maternal and neonatal deaths nationwide.

“We are here to identify the causes of these deaths and design context-specific interventions to address them,” Ajirioghede said.

He added that the initiative involves collaboration with traditional rulers, local government teams, MDAs, insurance companies, state primary health agencies, and development partners to strengthen healthcare facilities, improve service delivery, and increase access to care in the selected LGAs.

Adamawa State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Chief Felix Tangwami, described the mortality rate as alarming, stressing that urgent action is needed.

He attributed most maternal and neonatal deaths to delays during delivery, ignorance about pregnancy, cultural and religious factors, and poor community awareness.

Tangwami explained that the programme, launched in 2024, is a joint effort by the federal, state, and local governments to reduce deaths among women and children.

He called on all participants to take the training seriously to help safeguard lives.

Our Correspondent reports that, the two-day workshop, titled “MAMII: Nigeria’s Innovation Hub for Healthier Births,” was held from July 28 to 29, 2025, and attended by 90 participants drawn from the health sector, traditional and religious institutions, and the media.