The Federal Government has commenced the distribution of $6 million worth of Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) equipment to 252 health facilities across 30 states as part of efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Nigeria.

Under the initiative, each benefiting state will receive lifesaving medical equipment valued at $200,000 to strengthen secondary healthcare services and improve emergency response for pregnant women and newborns.

Speaking during the flag-off ceremony in Abuja, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Muhammad Ali Pate, said the intervention forms part of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s health sector renewal agenda aimed at improving healthcare delivery nationwide.

According to the minister, more than 40,000 women have already benefited from emergency obstetric interventions under the programme, while the equipment being distributed includes oxygen concentrators, incubators, baby warmers and pharmaceutical-grade refrigerators tailored to the needs of each state.

The Federal Government also urged state governments to ensure proper deployment of the equipment, strengthen healthcare staffing and improve referral systems to maximise the impact of the intervention.