Stakeholders in Nigeria’s health sector have called on the government to address critical gaps in the country’s Every Newborn Action Plan (ENAP) to reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates.
Speaking to the Association of Nigeria Health Journalists (ANHeJ) in Abuja on Wednesday, the stakeholders emphasised the need for increased investment, improved policy implementation, and stronger health infrastructure.
The founder and coordinator of the Africa Health Budget Network (AHBN), Dr Aminu Magashi pointed out that, in spite of having a comprehensive national plan, there was a significant gap in its implementation at the state level.
“States struggle with domestication and effective rollout, which directly impacts our ability to reduce maternal deaths across Nigeria,” he said.
Magashi raised concerns about the lack of an investment plan for the ENAP.
In spite of more than N1 trillion being allocated to the health sector in the 2025 budget, he noted that no clear funding strategy existed to ensure the full implementation of the action plan.
“The government must develop, launch, and fully fund an investment plan for ENAP.
“Without this, our aspirations to end preventable maternal and newborn deaths will remain out of reach,” he said.
He called on the Coordinating Ministry of Health and heads of relevant agencies to prioritise the creation of the investment plan, ensuring that the substantial budget allocations would translate into real improvements in maternal and newborn health.
He also highlighted ongoing issues in the quality of care in health facilities, including unreliable electricity, water shortages, and inadequate infection prevention measures.
“These infrastructural weaknesses continue to jeopardise maternal and newborn survival.
“Quality of care is a major focus of our action plan, but without addressing basic issues like power supply and clean water, we can’t expect significant progress,” he added.
Magashi emphasised the need for the government to create an enabling environment that encouraged skilled health workers to stay in the country.
“Health workers are leaving due to both push and pull factors, poor working conditions and better opportunities abroad.
“We must address these challenges and create conditions where our healthcare professionals feel supported and motivated to stay,” he said.
Magashi stressed the need for targeted interventions to close these gaps and ensure that every woman and newborn received the care they deserved.
“Data collection and monitoring also remain weak, hindering effective decision-making and policy adjustments.
“We need regular tracking of maternal and newborn deaths and better data systems to guide our interventions,” he said.
He urged the media to play a more active role in amplifying these issues, holding the government accountable, and advocating for the full implementation of the Every Newborn Action Plan.
“The media must highlight these gaps, push for timely release of funds, and advocate for effective policy implementation.
“Only through collective effort can we hope to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria,” he said.
The Founder of the Lafiya Wealth Initiative, Mr Mohammed Usman expressed optimism about Nigeria’s health sector reforms but stressed that urgent action was needed to address systemic issues.
“We have the plans and the resources. Now, we need the political will and commitment to ensure that every woman and every newborn, everywhere in Nigeria, has the chance to survive and thrive,” Usman said.
The Programme Manager of the Health Reform Foundation of Nigeria, Dr Opeyemi Adeosun called on the media to shift from reporting primarily on success stories to holding government officials accountable, particularly in the health sector.
While acknowledging progress made by the Ministry of Health, Adeosun pointed out that significant gap remained at both national and subnational levels.
“Nigerian journalists should adopt a more investigative and critical approach, pressuring leaders to address ongoing failures in health policy implementation,” he said.
NAN
