The five-day Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) workshop concluded last week, sparking renewed hope in tackling one of Nigeria’s deadliest health challenges.
According to the 2023 World Health Organisation report, Nigeria’s maternal mortality ratio remains alarmingly high at 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. This means that for every 100,000 babies born alive in Nigeria, approximately 1,047 mothers die due to complications related to pregnancy or childbirth one of the highest rates globally.
The National Primary Health Care Development Agency Survey further identifies 172 Local Government Areas (LGAs) nationwide as high-burden zones for maternal and neonatal mortality. Among these, Gombe State contributes eight LGAs that are particularly affected.
Behind these grim statistics lie countless heartbreaking personal stories that underscore the urgent need for action.
One man recounted his tragic loss:
“My wife gave birth to twins, but she died during delivery along with one of the babies. The other twin was cared for by my sister-in-law as a wet nurse, but sadly, we lost that baby too just weeks later. Our family has been shattered — it’s a pain no one should endure.”
Another man, shared his experience from Lawanti:
“We took my wife to the Federal Teaching Hospital for delivery after being referred from the State Specialist Hospital. But by the time we arrived, it was too late the baby was already dead. The doctors said we came too late, and I still blame myself for the delay.”
Adding to the challenge are deeply rooted cultural pressures.
The man explained,“I wanted us to start family planning after our seventh child, but my mother-in-law insisted that my wife must keep having children until she can no longer bear any.
These stories highlight the complex barriers to maternal and neonatal health in Gombe State, emphasizing why initiatives like MAMII are vital to changing lives and saving mothers and babies.
Healthcare workers highlight systemic challenges.“Many women come for their first or second antenatal visits, but only a few return to deliver in the hospital. Reasons include fear, distance, costs, and family pressure. Without proper deliveries, complications increase, and we lose lives that could have been saved.”
Insights from the field visits
During the workshop, participants conducted field visits to several health facilities and communities across Gombe State. They observed limited equipment and shortages of essential medicines. Cultural beliefs also presented significant barriers,many women reported that they must seek permission from their husbands or family elders before accessing healthcare. Additionally, financial dependence on their husbands often prevented timely hospital visits.
One woman remarked, “If only we were self-reliant, we would be able to support our hospital visits better.” These social and economic challenges highlight the need for community empowerment alongside improved health services.
The data gathered during these visits is now informing Gombe’s implementation blueprint for MAMII, ensuring strategies are grounded in the lived realities of communities.
Leadership and commitment at the workshop
At the closing ceremony, Commissioner for Health, Dr. Habu Dahiru, inaugurated the Gombe State MAMII Taskforce. He urged the taskforce members to lead coordinated, community-driven efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths. “Maternal mortality is not just a health issue it is a social injustice that demands all sectors unite,” Dr. Dahiru said. He further highlighted the government’s Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) aimed at equipping every ward with emergency-capable health centres.
National MAMII Coordinator, Dr. Dayo Adeyanju, announced a landmark breakthrough: “Under MAMII, Caesarean Sections will now be provided free of charge in six strategically chosen hospitals across Gombe State. This removes a major financial barrier for women who need emergency surgery and will save countless lives.”
Gombe SWAp Desk Officer, Dr. Suraj Abdulkarim, said the Sector Wide Approach (SWAp) is a strategy cascaded across all health sectors to ensure coordinated planning, resource allocation, and service delivery aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes.”
He explained that under the SWAp framework, all health-related interventions whether by government, donors, or development partners are harmonised to avoid duplication and ensure that every kobo spent contributes directly to measurable health outcomes. “This approach strengthens accountability, enhances community ownership, and ensures that programmes like MAMII are not implemented in isolation, but as part of a broader system that can sustain impact over time,” Dr. Abdulkarim added.
Voices from key stakeholders
Farida Dunaman, of SAIF Foundation, stressed the importance of grassroots ownership: “We’ve lost too many women to silence and neglect. The co-creation model of MAMII means communities are no longer just beneficiaries—they are architects of their own health solutions. Women’s voices will shape the future of maternal care.”
Faith leaders also pledged their support. Apostle Copeland from the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) said, “Churches must preach not only salvation but survival. Maternal health is a shared responsibility, and faith communities can mobilise support and awareness.”
Similarly, Saleh Danburam of Jama’atu Nasril Islam (JNI) highlighted religious influence: “Our mosques can be powerful platforms for education. By involving men and promoting antenatal care, we can save lives and change harmful traditions.”
Traditional leader Yahaya Hammari committed to mobilising community heads: “As custodians of culture, we have a duty to encourage safe childbirth practices. We must bridge tradition and modern healthcare to protect mothers and children.”
Development partners affirm long-term support
Representing development partners, Hajiya Zainab Mohammad of the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) reaffirmed sustained commitment. “Ending preventable maternal and newborn deaths will take persistent investment, partnership, and building trust between communities and health systems. We’re in this for the long haul.”
A renewed promise for mothers and babies
As the workshop concluded, participants left with a shared sense of purpose and determination. The newly inaugurated MAMII taskforce is set to coordinate bold, data-driven, and locally tailored interventions designed to turn the tide on maternal and neonatal mortality in Gombe.
From safe conception to skilled delivery, and from community engagement to free emergency care, MAMII is more than a programme it is a promise that every mother and newborn counts.
