Abuja: The Health Services and Environment Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has mandated that all deliveries in the territory must be conducted by skilled birth attendants. Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, the Mandate Secretary of the secretariat, emphasized this directive during a capacity development training for health managers in the Federal Capital Territory.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr. Fasawe highlighted the alarming rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria, which has been labeled as the highest globally. She stressed the importance of ensuring that no woman dies during childbirth in the FCT, reiterating the administration’s zero tolerance for maternal mortality. The initiative aims to eliminate preventable maternal deaths by ensuring that women deliver their babies with professional medical assistance.
Dr. Fasawe stated, “It is compulsory that you deliver your baby with a skilled birth attendant. There’s no reason for anyone to die due to child delivery, and we are facing it headstrong.” She also shared that the FCT Minister, Mr. Nyesom Wike, has declared free health insurance for every pregnant woman in the territory, ensuring financial barriers do not prevent access to essential health services.
She encouraged residents of the FCT to take advantage of the free health insurance, which covers various healthcare services, including caesarean sections. Pregnant women are urged to register at the nearest family healthcare center to access these services.
The training, initiated by the Federal Minister of Health and the SWAp Coordination Office, is part of a broader leadership health strengthening and planning effort. It aims to create a rational, pragmatic, and comprehensive plan that informs health budgets for FCT residents. Dr. Fasawe noted that this effort underscores a shared commitment to building a healthier and more resilient FCT, potentially serving as a model for the nation.
