FG Delivers 80,906 Free Caesarean Sections, Reports Drop in Obstetric Emergency Deaths

According to a report by Premium Times Nigeria, the Federal Government has delivered nearly 100,000 free emergency obstetric and newborn healthcare services since the launch of its Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) programme two years ago. The report indicates that 80,906 free caesarean sections have been provided, contributing to a 22% decrease in obstetric emergency deaths. It is unclear how many of these services were provided before and after the two-year mark. The EmONC programme aims to improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes by providing essential obstetric and newborn care services to women and newborns in Nigeria.

The report does not state the timeframe of the 22% drop in obstetric emergency deaths, nor does it specify the locations where these services were provided. According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. The EmONC programme is part of the government’s efforts to address this issue.

The Federal Ministry of Health has not commented on the report as of the time of publishing.