Nigerian Concord Newspaper
The Deputy Governor of Benue State, His Excellency, Barr. Dr. Sam Ode, mni, has reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and children across Benue.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) Taskforce at Eyah Hotel and Suites in Makurdi on Thursday, Barr. Ode, who is also the chairman, State Primary Health Care Board, described the event as more than just ceremonial, “it is a powerful symbol of our renewed dedication to eliminating preventable maternal and neonatal deaths across Benue”.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Governor highlighted Nigeria’s alarming maternal and neonatal mortality statistics, emphasising the urgent need for targeted, holistic interventions. “The launch of MAMII is not merely a programme; it is a comprehensive framework for sustainable change. It enables us to synchronise efforts, optimise resources, and ensure every partner works towards a shared goal,” said Dr. Ode.
He underscored the critical role of the newly established MAMII Taskforce, describing it as a strategic body responsible for guiding planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of maternal and neonatal health initiatives in Benue, and urged the team to act with integrity, urgency, and innovation.
The Deputy Governor expressed gratitude to the MAMII National Team and development partners for their vital support, assuring that Benue State would leverage these partnerships effectively.
Receiving the MAMII plaque on behalf of the Governor, the government and people of Benue, Dr. Ode pledged the state’s unflinching resolve to the initiative, which aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality by 2027 and contribute meaningfully to Nigeria’s Sustainable Development Goals commitments.
In his goodwill message, Jane Ene Ibanga, a representative of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), reaffirmed the agency’s dedication to supporting MAMII’s service delivery component. She emphasised efforts to identify and enumerate pregnant women across all 23 local government areas and wards, improve commodity distribution, and revitalise healthcare facilities throughout the state.
Mr. Abraham Ahmadu, the coordinator of Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) in the Federal Ministry of Health, described MAMII as a “nationwide initiative launched in November 2024 with the aim of rapidly reducing the high maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria” by addressing critical delays in seeking care at the health facilities, improving quality of service and driving coordinated actions among key partners and government agencies and communities in the state with the aim of crashing maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria and Benue state in particular.
Representing the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), Mr. Yakubu Okobia emphasised NHIA’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage for all Nigerians. “We are ready to work with MAMII to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality.”
The newly inaugurated Taskforce comprises government officials, healthcare practitioners, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and development partners – all united in their mission to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Benue.
This initiative, launched nationally by President Bola Tinubu in November 2024, aims to transform maternal and child health outcomes through coordinated, innovative, and community-centric approaches, marking a pivotal step toward safer pregnancies and healthier futures for Nigeria’s mothers and children.