The Federal Government don begin distribution of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) equipment to 251 health facilities across 30 states for Nigeria.

The programme, wey Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare organise under the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) initiative, aim to reduce maternal and newborn deaths and improve access to quality emergency healthcare services.

According to the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Pate, the equipment package worth around 200,000 dollars per state go help close major service delivery gaps for secondary health facilities.He talk say over 40,000 women don already benefit from life-saving interventions through the CEmONC programme.

Him explain say the support no be just statistics, but real women and families wey get another chance at life because of improved healthcare services.Mr Pate also explain say the equipment distribution dey based on the specific healthcare needs identified by each state.

Some states receive incubators and baby warmers to improve newborn care, while others receive oxygen concentrators because of oxygen supply shortages.

He still warn states say equipment alone no fit solve maternal mortality problems if dem no improve staffing, infrastructure, electricity supply and referral systems.

The Director-General of the National Health Insurance Authority, Kelechi Ohiri, say the intervention don already support CEmONC services in 245 facilities since 2024 and help reduce financial pressure on pregnant women and families.He add say neonatal care support don expand to about 10 facilities with more than 3,000 claims recorded.

Officials from Ekiti State, the Gates Foundation and the SWAp Coordination Office also praise the programme and encourage states to ensure proper use of the equipment, improve healthcare worker welfare and strengthen health systems to achieve better maternal and newborn health outcomes nationwide.