Minister of Health, Dr. Ali Pate
Nigeria has recorded a 17 percent decline in maternal deaths across 172 high-burden local government areas, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to curb maternal mortality.
The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof. Muhammad Pate, disclosed this on Tuesday in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the second edition of the Joint Annual Review (JAR) of the health sector, scheduled to hold from Wednesday to Friday.
According to Pate, the results demonstrate the impact of the Maternal and Infant Mortality Initiative (MAMI) — a flagship programme launched in 2024 to target local government areas responsible for over half of Nigeria’s maternal deaths.
> “There is good news in the Nigerian health sector. In the 172 local governments which accounted for more than half the maternal deaths in Nigeria, we have seen a 17 per cent reduction in maternal deaths and a 12 per cent reduction in newborn deaths,” Pate announced.
He attributed the progress to coordinated action between federal, state, and local governments, as well as support from civil society groups and private sector partners.
The minister noted that the 2025 JAR, themed “All Hands, One Mission: Bringing Nigeria’s Health Sector to Light,” would review progress made since the launch of the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative in 2023.
A highlight of this year’s review, he added, will be the signing of an updated health sector compact, which for the first time will formally include local governments as core stakeholders.
> “The new compact will bring in local government areas, private sector players, traditional and religious leaders, and civil society organisations, in line with the National Health Act 2014,” he explained.
Pate revealed that 37 out of 41 Key Performance Indicators have so far been met — a clear sign that Nigeria’s health reforms are gaining traction.
He also highlighted tangible outcomes: over 15,000 community health workers recruited, 435 health facilities revitalised, and a marked increase in skilled birth attendance.
Data from the ministry showed notable improvements in maternal and reproductive health indicators between 2023 and 2025. Antenatal care coverage rose from 39 percent to 56 percent, while modern contraceptive use among women of reproductive age hit 50 percent.
In addition, primary healthcare utilisation surged, with visits to facilities supported by the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) increasing from 10 million in early 2024 to 45 million in mid-2025.
Pate further disclosed that 35 of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT have completed their health sector performance reviews, with all states aligning their operational plans with national priorities.
> “We are seeing for the first time alignment between the Federal Government’s direction and the states in terms of health sector priorities,” he said.
Public trust in the health system, he noted, is also improving. A 2025 survey showed that two-thirds of Nigerians now have confidence in the government’s ability to manage health emergencies.
Still, Pate acknowledged persistent challenges, particularly the cost of healthcare and limited insurance coverage.
> “While we are not out of the woods, the data shows the beginnings of an improvement. If sustained, these efforts will translate into lasting health outcomes that the world will notice,” he assured.
He commended health workers, development partners, and state governments for their roles in driving progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
> “We must pat ourselves on the back for the progress made but not relent — there is still much work to be done,” Pate added.
The Joint Annual Review (JAR) serves as Nigeria’s principal accountability platform for assessing health sector performance and provides critical input to the National Council on Health, the nation’s highest health policy-making body.
(NAN)
