FG,Kwara offer free transportation to pregnant women in labor.

The Federal Government of Nigeria, in collaboration with the Kwara State Government, has launched an initiative to reduce maternal mortality by partnering with the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) to transport pregnant women in labor to healthcare facilities. This initiative is part of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiative (MAMII) program.

*Key Components of the Initiative:*

- *Transportation Support*: Five NURTW vehicles will be deployed per ward to transport pregnant women in labor or distress to healthcare facilities free of charge.
- *Designated Healthcare Facilities*: The government has designated healthcare facilities where women can receive free Caesarean sections, and each woman will receive a "mama-kit" for delivery.
- *Revamped Healthcare Facilities*: About 2,000 primary healthcare facilities have been revamped nationwide, with 45 of them located in Kwara State.

*Goals and Expected Outcomes:*

- Reduce maternal mortality by addressing transportation challenges that contribute to delays in accessing healthcare facilities.
- Increase healthcare facility utilization and skilled birth attendance.

*Implementation and Partnership:*

- The initiative is a collaboration between the Federal Government and Kwara State Government, with support from the MAMII program.
- The Kwara Commissioner for Health, Dr. Amina El-Imam, commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare for its commitment to saving the lives of Nigerian mothers and infants ¹.

*Maternal Mortality in Nigeria:*

- Nigeria has the highest maternal mortality rate globally, with 993 deaths per 100,000 live births in 2023.
- The country accounts for 29% of global maternal deaths, highlighting the need for initiatives like MAMII to address this critical issue.