The Oyo State Government, inaugurating a State Task Force to enforce the Oyo State-domesticated Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) implementation plan, has reaffirmed its commitment to ending needless newborn and maternal deaths.
Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde, inaugurating the state’s MAMII task force, said the domesticated Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative implementation plan represents a bold step towards reversing the unacceptable deaths of women in childbirth and of newborns.
Makinde, who spoke through the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Mrs Ajibola Lawal, said the activation of the MAMII initiative was a call to action to protect mothers, safeguard newborns and strengthen the very foundation of Nigeria’s healthcare system.
‘Every year, too many Nigerian women lose their lives while giving life. Too many families mourn newborns that never get the chance to thrive. Through this initiative, we are bringing together innovation, data and collaboration under the unified vision of SWAp (one plan, one budget, and one conversation).
‘In Oyo State, the burden of maternal death is saddening; however, we are glad to be among the states selected to implement this landmark initiative. Our commitment is firm – to strengthen our health facilities, empower our healthcare providers, and ensure that every pregnant woman and newborn receives the care they deserve.’
Governor Makinde urged stakeholders to move beyond paperwork and ensure tangible outcomes, adding, ‘Let us remember that every intervention we design, every plan we approve, and every resource we allocate must translate into a life saved, a smile restored, and a future secured.’
The Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, declared that the inaugurated MAMII Task Force comprises representatives from the Oyo State Health Insurance Agency (OYSHIA), the Primary Healthcare Board, the Hospital Management Board, and the State Emergency Medical Services (SEMSA).
According to Dr Ajetunmobi, the target is to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths by 50 per cent within the next two years.
‘We have visited communities with high maternal and neonatal mortality rates to identify the root causes and develop practical solutions. We aim to eradicate maternal and neonatal deaths in Oyo State,’ she declared.