The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has launched a comprehensive strategic initiative to address the alarming maternal and child mortality rates in Kebbi State, which currently ranks highest in Nigeria.

The plan was unveiled during a five-day workshop on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) held in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital.

According to Hajiya Amina Abubakar, who represented the Federal Ministry of Health at the event, Kebbi State currently has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country, with 11 local government areas identified as high-priority zones requiring urgent intervention.

The high-priority areas include Fakai, Suru, Argungu, Augie, Sakaba, Shanga, Koko/Besse, Bagudo, Arewa, Dandi, and Danko Wasagu.

Nigeria's Global Standing

Abubakar highlighted that Nigeria ranks third globally in maternal mortality rates, with Kebbi State being a significant contributor to this troubling statistic. The initiative aims to develop localized strategies to reverse this trend.

The workshop brought together over 110 participants from diverse sectors, including government agencies, non-governmental organizations, health institutions, traditional and religious leaders, and media representatives. Their collective goal was to develop an actionable plan tailored to the specific needs of Kebbi State.

Governor Nasir Idris, represented by the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yunusa Ismail, reaffirmed the state government's commitment to supporting the federal government's efforts in reducing maternal and child deaths.

One of the participants, Nasiru Fakai, described the initiative as timely and crucial for the state. "This offers Kebbi State a critical opportunity to reverse its alarming maternal and child mortality trends," Fakai stated.

The MAMII program represents a collaborative approach between federal and state authorities to address a pressing public health crisis. With focused interventions in the identified high-priority areas, health officials hope to significantly reduce the number of preventable deaths among mothers and newborns in Kebbi State.