By Joy Salami
The Kogi State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare and Development Partners, has concluded a five-day Implementation Design Workshop on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), with a renewed commitment to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths in the state by 2027.
The closing ceremony, held at the Primary Health Care Centre, Old Market, Lokoja, marked the official handover of the MAMII Implementation Plan to the Kogi State Government. The plan was described as a strategic guide, a commitment, and a call to action toward improving maternal and child health outcomes.
Speaking during the handover, the Federal SWAP Officer of MAMII, Mrs. Sariet Audu, who presented the implementation plan on behalf of the National Coordinator, said it was not just a document but a commitment, a blueprint, and most importantly, a call to action. She emphasized that it serves as a strategic guide to eradicate maternal and neonatal mortality in Kogi State by 2027.
According to her, the plan represents a shared vision and collaborative effort among all stakeholders, urging continued commitment to ensure its successful implementation across all Local Government Areas of the state.
“This initiative belongs to everyone from policymakers to health workers and the communities themselves. Together, we can make Kogi a safer place for every mother and child”, she said.
Also speaking, the Principal Nutrition Officer at the Child Health Desk, Mrs. Adekoya Adeola, who represented the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, stated that the MAMII initiative reflects the Federal Government’s determination to reduce maternal and newborn mortality in Nigeria.
Every mother deserves a safe delivery, and every newborn deserves a healthy start to life,she said, adding that the initiative is designed to strengthen quality healthcare delivery, improve timely referrals, and promote community participation in saving lives.
According to her, the Federal Ministry of Health remains fully committed to supporting the initiative technically and financially, and will continue to collaborate with states to ensure the sustainability of the programme.
She assured the state of the Federal Government’s continued support to ensure the success of MAMII, adding, “Together, we can achieve a nation where no woman dies while giving life.”
Earlier in his closing remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Kogi State Ministry of Health, Mr. Stephen Momoh, who represented the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Adams Abdulaziz, described the workshop as a highly impactful engagement that deepened knowledge, built capacity, and strengthened partnerships among key players in the health sector.
Over the past few days, we have shared knowledge, reviewed data, built capacities, visited communities, and strengthened collaborations all with one clear goal: to ensure that no woman dies while giving life and that every newborn in our state has a healthy start to life, he said.
He commended the enthusiasm and dedication shown by participants throughout the sessions, adding that their collective efforts would contribute significantly to achieving safer motherhood and healthier communities.
The true success of this programme will not be measured by the number of papers presented or discussions held, but by the positive changes it brings to the lives of women and children across Kogi State, he added.
Mr. Momoh appreciated the facilitators, resource persons, and partners for their invaluable contributions, particularly the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), and MSI Nigeria Reproductive Choices.
He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to sustaining the momentum through evidence-based interventions, continuous training of health personnel, and stronger coordination with local government health authorities.
He urged participants to return to their various duty posts as ambassadors of safe motherhood, to apply the knowledge gained, mentor others, and ensure that every expectant mother and newborn receives quality care, compassion, and dignity.
On behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mariam Isah expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the Kogi State Government, and the MAMII team for their intervention and support, especially in providing free drug medications and delivery services, disclosing that the free drugs and delivery care will go a long way in saving the lives of many mothers and babies.
