Maternal mortality in Ogun below national average — Gov Abiodun
Maternal mortality rates in Ogun State have fallen below the national average, with the state currently recording 194 deaths per 100,000 live births compared to over 500 per 100,000 nationwide, Governor Dapo Abiodun has revealed. He attributed this improvement to his administration’s substantial investments in the healthcare sector, including a 13% budget allocation for 2025 aimed at strengthening medical infrastructure, expanding human resources, and enhancing service delivery.
This as the Governor stated that harnessing innovation, partnerships, and data-driven strategies will significantly lower maternal and child mortality rates in the state.
Prince Abiodun made these remarks at the Ogun State Maternal and Newborn Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) Co-Creation five-day workshop, held at the DMA Hall, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta. He further explained that the implementation of electronic medical records across primary, secondary, and tertiary healthcare facilities in the state has enhanced care coordination, improved patient outcomes, and facilitated more informed decision-making based on data.
Represented by his Deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor reaffirmed that maternal and child health remains a top priority under the administration’s social welfare and well-being pillar (ISEYA).
“We have reinforced our health financing mechanisms through the Ogun State Health Insurance Agency, covering both formal and informal sector schemes. Notably, the Ibi-Dero conditional cash transfer programme provides financial assistance to vulnerable pregnant women, ensuring they can access quality maternal healthcare.
“This strategic intervention aims to strengthen our healthcare system by improving infrastructure, expanding human resources, enhancing service delivery, and ensuring sustainable health financing.
“A 13% budget allocation to the health sector for 2025, embedded in our annual operational plan, demonstrates our unwavering commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure, workforce development, and service delivery,” he stated.
The governor also highlighted his administration’s efforts to revitalise primary healthcare centres to deliver quality medical services at the grassroots level, where they are most needed. He disclosed that 472 community health extension workers have been employed, alongside the confirmation of an additional 400 allied health professionals to strengthen healthcare provision across the state.
He further stated that, in December last year, the state government launched the Ogun State Drug and Health Commodities Management Agency (OGDHMA) to ensure the availability, affordability, and fair distribution of essential medicines and health supplies. Additionally, 80 tricycle ambulances have been distributed across all 20 local government areas, while a free maternal transport service is currently being piloted in one local government area to guarantee timely access to critical medical care.
In his address, the Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, revealed that approximately 774 healthcare facilities have been designated to serve as primary and secondary healthcare centres across the country.
According to the Minister, the Nigeria Health Insurance Scheme (NHIA) is also working to expand these facilities, ensuring they provide free treatment for emergency cases involving specific complications.
He underscored the importance of educating mothers about their health, stating that the federal government has reallocated substantial funds to upgrade the country’s emergency ambulance service.
“The education of our mothers is crucial, as is their nutritional status. Maternal anaemia is a strong indicator of complications and maternal mortality. Addressing these issues requires a multi-sectoral approach.
“The emergency ambulance scheme is also part of this initiative, as a woman’s inability to reach a healthcare facility in time can be a critical barrier to care.
“We have identified resources, and for eligible women seeking care at these facilities, they will receive treatment for emergency complications, including caesarean sections or other interventions, without financial burden. This eliminates cost barriers to access,” he said.
Earlier in her welcome address, the Ogun State Commissioner for Health, Dr Tomi Coker, affirmed that the programme was designed to ensure that no woman dies during childbirth in the state. She added that the initiative would strengthen healthcare infrastructure while promoting equitable access to life-saving medical interventions for mothers and newborns.
Speaking on the objectives of the initiative, the Programme Coordinator of MAMII, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, stressed the need for innovation in addressing maternal mortality. He noted that a recent agreement was signed between the federal government, state governments, and development partners to tackle maternal deaths with a unified strategy, a shared plan, and a common budget.
