Enugu, FG Launch MAMII Project to Curb Maternal and Neonatal Deaths

The Enugu State Government, in collaboration with the Federal Government, has inaugurated the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Innovation Initiative (MAMII)—a comprehensive project designed to significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in the state.

National Lead Coordinator of the Sector-wide Approach (SWAp) team, Mr. Abraham Ahmadu, said the project would initially focus on three high-burden local government areas—Oji River, Igboeze North, and Isi-Uzo—which record the highest rates of maternal and newborn mortality.

The initiative was unveiled during a five-day stakeholders’ workshop in Enugu, tagged “Enugu State Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) Co-Creation Workshop.” The event brought together representatives from the health sector, civil society, and development partners to jointly design solutions for reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.

Speaking at the opening session, Ahmadu explained that the workshop would yield an implementation roadmap focused on community-driven and facility-based interventions to enhance maternal and newborn health outcomes.

“The initiative aims to remove barriers to maternal healthcare by ensuring pregnant women receive quality, timely, and skilled care across health facilities in the target areas,” he stated.

Ahmadu noted that MAMII is a flagship programme of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Prof. Muhammad Pate, aimed at drastically reducing maternal and neonatal deaths nationwide. The project, he said, is currently active in 33 states and 172 local government areas across Nigeria. He urged all stakeholders to collaborate and commit resources to ensure no woman or newborn dies from preventable causes in Enugu State.

Declaring the workshop open, Enugu State Commissioner for Health, Prof. George Ugwu, said the project targets a 30% reduction in maternal mortality and a 60% increase in health facility usage by 2030. Represented by Dr. Uchechukwu Okenwa, Director of Public Health, Ugwu said the workshop convened key stakeholders—including government agencies, the private sector, faith-based leaders, and community representatives—to design actionable, data-driven interventions.

He commended Governor Peter Mbah’s commitment to maternal and child health through the construction of 260 Type-3 health centres and the recruitment of medical personnel across all wards.

Also speaking, Dr. Ifeyinwa Ani-Osheku, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said the initiative aligns with Governor Mbah’s vision to make Enugu one of Nigeria’s safest states for mothers and children.

“This programme goes beyond discussions—it’s about creating locally relevant, community-owned solutions to ensure that every woman’s maternity journey ends positively,” Ani-Osheku said. She revealed that MAMII aims for at least a 30% reduction in maternal deaths by 2026, noting that Nigeria currently bears one of the world’s heaviest burdens of maternal and infant mortality.

She highlighted the state’s ongoing construction of model Type-2 Primary Healthcare Centres, describing maternal and child health as critical to national economic development.

The five-day workshop is expected to produce an actionable document to guide implementation. Dr. Ani-Osheku assured participants of full technical support from ENSPHCDA and reiterated the state government’s commitment to the project.

“Health is everyone’s responsibility,” she emphasized. “Our goal is to ensure that every pregnancy in Enugu State results in safe and joyful outcomes.”

World Health Organization (WHO) State Coordinator, Mrs. Adaeze Ugwu, also reaffirmed the organisation’s readiness to support the successful rollout and sustainability of the MAMII interventions in Enugu State.