Historic Health Policy Aims to Save Thousands of Lives Annually
In a groundbreaking move to address one of Nigeria’s most pressing health crises, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) administration has unveiled a comprehensive maternal care program offering free health insurance and caesarean sections to all pregnant women residing in the territory.
Revolutionary Maternal Health Program Announced During World Health Day
The announcement came during the 2025 World Health Day commemoration held at Gwarimpa District Hospital in Abuja. Dr. Adedolapo Fasewa, the FCTA’s Mandate Secretary for Health, revealed details of the initiative designed to combat Nigeria’s troubling maternal mortality statistics.
“This program represents our commitment to ensuring no woman loses her life simply because she cannot afford essential maternal healthcare,” Dr. Fasewa stated during the announcement. “Every pregnant woman in the FCT deserves access to quality care regardless of her financial circumstances.”
How the Program Works
The initiative centers around the FCT Health Insurance Scheme (FHIS), which pregnant women must register with to access benefits. The comprehensive package includes:
- Complete prenatal care coverage
- Free caesarean sections when medically necessary
- Postpartum care for mothers
- Essential infant care services after delivery
Registration procedures have been streamlined to ensure maximum accessibility, with community health workers deployed to assist women in completing the necessary documentation.
Addressing a National Crisis
Nigeria currently holds the unfortunate distinction of having the highest maternal mortality rate in sub-Saharan Africa. According to recent health statistics, approximately 512 women die per 100,000 live births in Nigeria – a figure that places the country among the most dangerous places in the world to give birth.
“These statistics are not just numbers; they represent mothers, daughters, sisters, and valuable members of our community,” Dr. Fasewa emphasized. “The current administration finds this situation unacceptable and is determined to reverse this trend.”
Multi-faceted Approach to Maternal Health
The initiative extends beyond just financial coverage for caesarean sections. The comprehensive approach includes:
- Training programs for midwives and healthcare providers
- Upgrading maternal healthcare facilities across the territory
- Community outreach to educate women about prenatal care
- Establishing emergency transport systems for obstetric emergencies
Healthcare officials believe this holistic strategy will significantly reduce complications during pregnancy and childbirth while ensuring prompt intervention when issues arise.
Call for Collaborative Action
Dr. Fasewa emphasized that while the government is taking decisive action, tackling maternal mortality requires broader societal participation.
“The fight against maternal mortality cannot be won by government action alone,” she stated. “We need religious leaders, community organizations, families, and individuals to support this initiative by encouraging pregnant women to register and utilize these services.”
The health secretary called on men to support their partners in accessing these services and emphasized the importance of timely prenatal care in identifying potential complications before they become life-threatening.
Expected Impact and Future Expansion
Health officials project that the program could reduce maternal mortality in the FCT by up to 40% within the first two years of implementation. If successful, the initiative could serve as a model for other states across Nigeria.
“This program represents just the beginning of our commitment to maternal and child health,” Dr. Fasewa concluded. “We are already developing additional initiatives to expand these services to more remote communities and further strengthen our healthcare infrastructure.”
Women’s health advocates have welcomed the announcement, calling it a significant step toward addressing Nigeria’s healthcare inequalities and protecting vulnerable populations.
How to Register
Pregnant women can register for the FCT Health Insurance Scheme at any public health facility within the territory. Required documents include proof of residency, a valid identification card, and confirmation of pregnancy from a healthcare professional.
The program is set to become fully operational by the end of the month, with preliminary registration already underway at designated health centers throughout the FCT.
The FCT’s bold initiative represents a critical intervention in Nigeria’s ongoing battle against maternal mortality. By removing financial barriers to essential maternal care, the program addresses one of the fundamental challenges preventing women from accessing life-saving medical procedures. As implementation begins, health officials remain optimistic that this comprehensive approach will save countless lives and set a new standard for maternal healthcare across the nation.
