The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has broadened its premier maternal health initiative by incorporating neonatal care, officially launching the pilot phase of the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) programme in Kano State.
Following the notable achievements of its maternal health services, NHIA introduced the neonatal care segment during a high-profile visit to Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH) and the Kano State Ministry of Health (KSMOH).
Since its inception in July 2024 under the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative (NHSRII), the maternal health programme has delivered critical emergency obstetric care to thousands of women across the country. Specifically, in Kano State, the initiative has benefited more than 2,000 women.
Expressing his support for the expansion, Kano State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusif, commended NHIA for selecting Kano as the pilot location. He assured full governmental backing and revealed plans to incorporate additional healthcare facilities into the programme.
Dr. Yusif also set a target for participating hospitals to attain a 95% survival rate for newborns admitted under the scheme.
At AKTH, hospital officials welcomed the CEmONC initiative, highlighting its potential to significantly improve maternal and neonatal health outcomes within the state.
NHIA reaffirmed AKTH’s role in the neonatal pilot and stressed the critical need for this programme’s expansion.
To formalize the partnership, NHIA, AKTH, and Reliance HMO-the appointed third-party administrator-signed a tripartite Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). During the visit, the delegation also inaugurated the hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU), which is dedicated to the treatment of critically ill newborns.
Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, NHIA’s Director General, received accolades for his data-driven leadership and dedication to healthcare reform. Stakeholders emphasized that the CEmONC programme is built on strategic partnerships, innovative funding models, and governance informed by robust data.
Likewise, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, praised NHIA’s initiatives, reiterating the Federal Government’s commitment under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda to lower maternal and infant mortality rates and promote equitable healthcare access. This expansion further solidifies NHIA’s commitment to safeguarding mothers and newborns, advancing Nigeria’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage.
