DELTA STATE LAUNCHES MAMII PROJECT TO FIGHT MATERNAL AND NEONATAL MORTALITY

The Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project was flagged off in Delta State with officials highlighting the state’s progress in reducing maternal deaths. Speaking at the launch in Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area, Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Onojaeme disclosed Delta’s maternal mortality rate had fallen from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births.

Dr. Onojaeme emphasized the state’s commitment to improving healthcare for pregnant women and children under five, who are entitled to free medical services. “All pregnant women in Delta State are entitled to free healthcare until delivery, while children under five also receive free medical treatment,” he said, urging residents to report cases of health workers demanding payments.

The commissioner revealed sanctions had been applied against some workers found violating the policy. “We have received reports of some collecting money from pregnant women and children under five for drugs, while still forwarding the bills to the government for payment. Several workers had been dismissed while others were demoted for similar offences,” Dr. Onojaeme stated.

Dr. John Ovuoraye, representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, noted the MAMII Project enjoys President Bola Tinubu’s backing and involves partnerships with agencies like USAID, WHO, UNICEF, and the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. He highlighted 172 local government areas in 33 states are high-risk zones for maternal and neonatal mortality, with five in Delta State—Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele.

The launch event saw the presentation of the MAMII plaque to Delta State and the inauguration of a task force to implement the project’s action plan, signalling intensified efforts to further cut maternal and child deaths in the state.