The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn deaths through innovative partnerships and evidence-driven strategies, as stakeholders converged at the MAMII Co-Creation Workshop held at Kakanfo Inn, Ibadan.
The five-day workshop, organized under the Maternal and Neonatal Health Improvement Initiative (MAMII), brought together representatives from the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, development partners, community leaders, and health professionals to design sustainable interventions for improving maternal and child health outcomes in the state.
The workshop, which is to run from October 13 to 17, 2025, is expected to culminate in a comprehensive action plan to strengthen maternal and newborn health systems across Oyo State and contribute to Nigeria’s national drive to end preventable maternal and child deaths.
In her opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Adewumi Ajetunmobi, described MAMII as “not just another programme, but a movement” aimed at redefining how government and partners address maternal and neonatal survival.
“Under the Omituntun 2.0 Roadmap to Sustainable Development, maternal and child health remains a top priority for this administration,” Dr. Ajetunmobi stated. “Our goal is simple, that no woman dies while giving life and that every child has a healthy start.”
She emphasized that the workshop’s co-creation approach reflects the state’s belief that meaningful health impact can only be achieved when “governments, partners, communities, and health workers design solutions together.”
Dr. Ajetunmobi commended the Honourable Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, and technical partners for their leadership and collaboration. She reaffirmed Governor Seyi Makinde’s dedication to building a model of “true collaboration for healthier mothers, safer births, and thriving communities.”
The Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, noted that maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge, with the lifetime risk of dying during pregnancy as high as 1 in 18 in developing countries.
“Every maternal death is not just a statistic; it is a story of loss, of a mother who will never return home, and of a community deprived of its pillar,” Dr. Ayinde said. “This meeting gives us an opportunity to review our progress and produce a unified operational plan to make maternal death a rarity in Oyo State.”
He highlighted Oyo State’s efforts, including the revitalization of primary healthcare centres, employment of over 4,000 health workers, the launch of the Oyo State Emergency Medical Services (OYEMS), and initiatives in community midwifery and health insurance.
Dr. Ayinde further identified the “five delays” contributing to maternal deaths, the delay to seek care, reach care, receive adequate care, institutional accountability, and coordination, stressing the need for community-driven and data-based solutions.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Chief Akin Fagbemi, lauded the initiative as a critical step towards achieving sustainable healthcare. He emphasized the need for all stakeholders to contribute meaningfully to Governor Makinde’s health vision for the state.
The State SWAp Desk Officer and Coordinator for the National Health Fellowship Program, Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, explained that the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp), under which MAMII falls, is a Federal Government-led framework designed to strengthen subnational health systems.
“Nigeria is currently ranked third globally for maternal mortality, losing about 250 women and newborns daily. Through this initiative, Oyo State will work closely with stakeholders to identify root causes and develop practical, community-informed solutions.” Dr. Adeagbo revealed.
Similarly, Dr. Omoniyi O. Iyahen, Deputy Director at the SWAp Coordinating Office, added that Oyo State is among four selected states in Nigeria for the pilot phase, with focus areas in Ibadan South-West, Orire, Iwajowa, and Afijio Local Governments.
“We’ll be visiting affected communities, engaging traditional and religious leaders, and reviewing real-life cases to understand where the gaps lie and how to close them,” she said.
Representing the women of Oyo State, Chief (Mrs.) Abiola Ameringun, the Market Women Leader, expressed gratitude to the state government for prioritizing maternal health.
“Women are the mothers of the nation, and this programme is for our safety and the future of our children.
We thank our mother, the Honourable Commissioner, and His Excellency, Governor Makinde, for their tireless commitment.” she said
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