15/09/2026
Every woman deserves a safe pregnancy, and every newborn deserves a healthy start.
Today, Nigeria took an important step toward making that vision a reality with the launch of a national initiative to increase the use of essential maternal and newborn health services - helping remove financial and social barriers that prevent women from accessing lifesaving interventions.
Speaking at the launch, Dr. Muhammad Ali Pate, Coordinating Minister of Health & Social Welfare, emphasized the urgency of accelerating progress: “The results are there. Now we need to intensify efforts, accelerate, and communicate those results more.”
With support from , , , and global health partners, the initiative will help more women receive antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, and postnatal services—strengthening the continuum of care from pregnancy through childbirth and early childhood.
, WHO Representative in Nigeria, highlighted the importance of quality and equity: “Let us connect incentives with quality care. Let us strengthen primary health care and referral systems. Let us invest in the workforce. And let us use data to reach those furthest behind.”
Why this matters:
• Nigeria accounts for over 12% of global maternal deaths, most of which are preventable.
• Only 67% of women receive at least one antenatal care visit; fewer receive the recommended four.
• Newborn mortality remains unacceptably high, particularly in rural and underserved communities where access to quality maternal and newborn care services is limited.
By supporting the Government to improve primary health care, train health workers, and strengthen data systems, WHO is helping ensure no woman is left behind, and every newborn has the opportunity to survive and thrive.
Healthy mothers. Healthy newborns. A healthier Nigeria.
👉 Learn more about WHO’s work to protect mothers and newborns: afro.who.int/countries/nigeria
