The Federal Ministry of Health has taken a major step towards reducing maternal deaths in Kano State, Nigeria, by handing over a newly developed intervention report to the state government.
The report, created under the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), presents solutions to improve maternal and child healthcare.
The document was presented by Dr Dayo Adeyanju, National Coordinator of MAMII, following a five-day workshop involving medical experts and policymakers. It outlines key strategies to improve access to healthcare for pregnant women, particularly in rural communities.
“This has to stop now as women die every minute, and this is not what the president and minister want to see,” he stated.
Dr Adeyanju emphasised that adopting these recommendations in Kano’s health plan would help mobilise essential resources for immediate action.
A major concern raised at the event was Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, which remains one of the worst globally.
Reports from the World Health Organisation (WHO) show that in 2020 alone, around 82,000 Nigerian women lost their lives due to pregnancy-related complications such as excessive bleeding, high blood pressure, unsafe abortions, and labour difficulties.

UNICEF data also indicates that women in Nigeria face serious risks during childbirth due to limited access to medical care.
At the MAMII launch in Kano, the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Ali Pate, reaffirmed the government’s determination to address this crisis. Represented by Dr Ashiru Adamu Abubakar, he noted that past efforts had not yielded the desired impact, making it necessary to adopt a fresh, community-driven approach.
As part of the intervention, stakeholders visited 10 public hospitals across Kano to assess the situation firsthand. Their findings exposed several challenges, including poor infrastructure, a shortage of skilled medical personnel, and a lack of essential medical supplies.
Many pregnant women also opt for traditional birth attendants instead of trained professionals, increasing health risks.
Kano State’s Health Commissioner, Dr Labaran Yusuf Abubakar, acknowledged these challenges, stating that the health sector had been neglected by previous administrations. However, he assured that the state government would support the MAMII programme to turn the situation around.
The initiative will focus on equipping healthcare facilities, improving transportation for pregnant women, and training more medical staff. Stakeholders at the event stressed that reducing maternal deaths requires honesty, accountability, and a joint effort from the government, health workers, and the community.