Lagos State has been chosen to pilot a new federal initiative aimed at improving maternal healthcare through emergency transport services for women in labour.
The programme, expected to commence soon, will also provide Mama Kits for pregnant women. Additionally, it includes free caesarean sections in 21 obstetric centres across the state.
Announcement
The announcement was made by Dr Dayo Adeyanju, Team Lead of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII), during the Eko Health Convention 2025 held in Lagos. The disclosure was further confirmed in a statement issued on Wednesday by the Office of the Governor, Lagos State.
In his goodwill message, Dr. Adeyanju commended the Lagos State Government for its leadership and sustained healthcare reforms. “I commend the Lagos State Government for its visionary leadership and impactful reforms in the health sector,” he said. “Lagos will soon serve as a pilot site for an ambitious federal initiative. This initiative provides pregnant women with Mama Kits, free caesarean sections in 21 obstetric centres, and emergency transportation for women in labour.”
According to the statement, the federal pilot initiative aligns with Lagos State’s broader Maternal and Child Health Strategy. This strategy is designed to enhance access to quality obstetric care and reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. The project will be implemented in collaboration with federal agencies to strengthen the state’s healthcare delivery system.
Speaking at the convention, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and building a world-class, technology-driven health system. He emphasised that the ILERA EKO scheme and the July 2024 Executive Order mandating health insurance for all residents are crucial. These measures aim to protect citizens from financial hardship.
The Governor urged Lagosians to “enroll in health insurance, adopt healthy lifestyles, and support immunization campaigns,” stressing that the success of the state’s health reforms depends on shared responsibility between government, professionals, and communities.”