By Edward Oseghe
The Edo State Government has taken a bold step in tackling preventable maternal and infant deaths with the official launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), a programme designed to strengthen healthcare delivery for mothers and newborns across the state.
The initiative kicked off on Monday with a five-day capacity-building workshop in Benin City, drawing participants from the Federal Ministry of Health, the Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, local government health departments, and professional medical associations.
Flagging off the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, said the MAMII programme represents a new phase in Edo’s drive to enhance maternal and neonatal survival through data-driven planning, innovation, and collaboration among health professionals.
He explained that the workshop would equip participants with the necessary knowledge to implement the initiative effectively, identify major causes of maternal and neonatal deaths, and develop strategies tailored to local needs.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Andrew Iyamu, and the Chairman of the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr. Odiase Ehiabhi, described the programme as a crucial intervention that aligns with the state’s long-term health agenda.
Representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health, including Mrs. Jacinta Igbigbi, praised Edo State for promptly adopting the national framework introduced in November 2024, saying the move underscores the state’s proactive approach to safeguarding mothers and children.
The Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Edo State Branch, Dr. Eustace Oseghale, lauded the initiative, urging sustained commitment to ensure that “no woman dies while giving life.”
In his presentation, the State SWAp Coordinator, Dr. Godswill Omijie, noted that four local government areas currently account for most maternal and neonatal mortality cases in Edo, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to curb the trend.
Similarly, Mr. Omoruyi Iyahen, who gave an overview of the MAMII framework, highlighted national progress recorded under the initiative and expressed optimism that Edo would achieve a significant reduction in death rates through consistent implementation.
By adopting the MAMII strategy, the Edo State Government has reaffirmed its resolve to protect mothers and infants, ensuring safer deliveries and healthier communities across the state.
