FG, stakeholders move to curb high maternal, child mortality in Kebbi

The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, has initiated a strategic plan aimed at reducing the alarming rates of maternal and child mortality in Kebbi State and across Nigeria.

Speaking during a five-day workshop on the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) held in Kebbi, Hajiya Amina Abubakar, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, revealed that Kebbi has the highest maternal mortality rate in the country.

She identified 11 high-burden local government areas in the state, including Fakai, Suru, Argungu, Augie, Sakaba, Shanga, Kamba, Koko/Besse, Bagudo, Arewa, and Danko Wasagu.

Abubakar noted that Nigeria ranks third globally in maternal mortality and that the federal government has designated 172 high-priority local government areas nationwide for targeted intervention — with Kebbi contributing 11 to this list.

She emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Health, along with development partners and stakeholders, is working closely with Kebbi State to craft a comprehensive and locally relevant plan to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths.

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Governor Nasir Idris, represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Yunusa Ismail, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to supporting the federal initiative.

He stated that healthcare remains a key focus of his administration and urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to actively back the programme.

“The MAMII programme complements the ongoing efforts of the state government in strengthening the healthcare sector,” Dr. Ismail said.

A participant, Nasiru Fakai, praised the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention that holds great promise in addressing the high rates of maternal and child mortality in Kebbi and beyond.