Nigeria Rolls Out Medical Equipment Across 774 LGAs to Boost Maternal Healthcare
Nigeria’s healthcare reform programme recorded a major milestone on Friday as the Federal Government launched the nationwide distribution of medical equipment worth nearly $200,000 to states and all 774 Local Government Areas to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services.
The intervention, unveiled in Abuja under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative, is expected to support about 200 secondary healthcare facilities across 30 states with Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) equipment aimed at reducing preventable deaths during childbirth.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Ali Pate, said the initiative forms part of ongoing reforms designed to improve healthcare delivery and reduce the burden of maternal and infant mortality across the country.
Represented by the Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Muyi Aina, the minister described the intervention as a significant step toward ensuring that no Nigerian woman dies while giving birth.
“This moment is historic. Six months ago, we flagged off the distribution of equipment and commodities to primary healthcare centres nationwide. Today, we are extending that intervention to the secondary level where critical maternal and newborn emergencies are managed,” he said.
Pate disclosed that more than 40,000 women have already benefited from life-saving interventions in facilities where implementation of the healthcare renewal programme began earlier.
“These are not just figures. They represent mothers whose lives have been saved through improved emergency healthcare services,” he stated.
He explained that the healthcare transformation programme, initiated under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, was built on collaboration among the Federal Government, states, local governments and development partners to reduce both the financial and physical barriers to healthcare access.
The minister commended the SWAp Coordinator, Dr. Muntaqa Umar-Sadiq, for mobilising stakeholders and driving implementation of the reforms nationwide.
According to him, the initiative marks one of the first times healthcare investments are being deployed at scale through aligned priorities and coordinated partnerships among federal and state governments as well as donor agencies.
“With combined resources and stronger collaboration, we are beginning to witness improvements in healthcare delivery nationwide,” he added.
However, Pate cautioned that the availability of equipment alone would not solve the country’s healthcare challenges, urging state governments to rehabilitate healthcare facilities and address shortages of skilled health workers.
“We must ensure these facilities are not only equipped but fully functional. Secondary healthcare centres remain critical referral points in our healthcare system,” he stressed.
Speaking at the event, Senior Health Specialist at the World Bank, Dr. Olumide Okunola, described the healthcare reforms as a deliberate national effort built on shared commitments among all tiers of government and development partners.
“What we are witnessing today did not happen by accident. It was the result of deliberate planning, negotiations and collaboration,” he said.
Okunola revealed that the reform framework, known as the Nigeria Universal Health Compact, emerged from discussions at the National Council on Health before agreements were finalised in December 2023.
According to him, the compact clearly outlines responsibilities for federal, state and local governments in strengthening healthcare delivery across the country.
“What we are seeing today is the Federal Government fulfilling its side of the commitment,” he said.
He added that the World Bank is supporting the programme through its Programme-for-Results financing mechanism alongside partners such as the Children’s Investment Fund Foundation, the Global Financing Facility and the United Kingdom’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.
Okunola stressed that reducing maternal mortality is not only a healthcare priority but also an economic necessity.
“When fewer women die during childbirth and mortality declines, countries make economic progress. Healthcare reform is directly linked to national development and human capital growth,” he stated.
He also warned that without trained healthcare personnel, the impact of the intervention could be limited.
“Equipment alone does not save lives. States and local governments must provide trained personnel to operate and maintain them,” he warned.
Representing the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria (ALGON), Ben Nkechika assured stakeholders that local governments would support implementation of the reforms at the grassroots.
“We understand our responsibilities and will strengthen referral systems, operationalise local government health authorities and support healthcare workers across communities,” he said.
Also speaking, representative of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, Abdulwahab Ahmad, commended the Federal Government for delivering on its commitments under the healthcare compact.
“These equipment will not remain in state capitals. They will reach communities where they are most needed,” he assured.
Ahmad also emphasised the need for proper maintenance systems and adequate manpower to sustain the intervention.
“Our collective effort must ensure that no woman dies while trying to give birth,” he said.
In his remarks, Ekiti State Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Oyebanji Filani, described the initiative as critical to strengthening frontline healthcare services across Nigeria.
He warned that weak healthcare systems often result in avoidable deaths due to inadequate support structures.
“Lives are like games. Without systems that keep healthcare functioning, everything can suddenly be lost,” he said.
Stakeholders at the event also highlighted ongoing efforts to reduce out-of-pocket healthcare expenses through the National Health Insurance Authority, noting that many Nigerians still face financial barriers in accessing healthcare services.
The event concluded with renewed calls for accountability, sustained collaboration and effective implementation of the reforms to improve healthcare outcomes for millions of Nigerians.
