Oyo Inaugurates MAMII Task Force To Save Mothers, Newborns

The Oyo State Government has inaugurated the Maternal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) Task Force to curb maternal and infant deaths across the State.

The State also received the Action Plan, Activation Plaque, and implementation strategy for the initiative during the inauguration at the Molete Primary Health Centre, Ibadan.

Gov. Seyi Makinde, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Chief Ajibola Lawal, described MAMII as a renewed call to protect mothers, safeguard newborns, and strengthen the healthcare system.

“MAMII, as conceived by the Federal Ministry of Health and supported by the Oyo State Government, represents a bold step toward reversing this unacceptable trend.

“Through this initiative, we are bringing together innovation, data, and collaboration under the unified vision of SWAP (One Plan, One Budget, One Conversation).

“In Oyo State, the burden of maternal death is saddening, however, we are glad to be among the States selected to implement this landmark initiative. Our commitment is firm to strengthen our health facilities, empower our healthcare providers, and ensure that every pregnant woman and newborn receives the care they deserve.

“Together, we can make maternal and newborn deaths a thing of the past in Oyo State. Together, we can build a system where every birth is celebrated, not mourned,” he says.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, said members of the task force are carefully selected from key health agencies, including the Primary Healthcare Board, Hospital Management Board, Health Insurance Agency, and Emergency Services, to ensure effective coordination.

“So, they are to see that we implement the plan for Oyo State, and what is the goal? The goal is to reduce maternal mortality rate and neonatal mortality rate in Oyo State.

“We want a significant reduction — now it is about 370 — and we aim for a 50 percent reduction in the next two years by the grace of God,” she says.

National Coordinator of the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAP), Dr. Muntaga Sodiq-Umar, represented by Iyahen Omoruyi, and Oyo State MAMII Coordinator, Dr. Oluwatunmise Adeagbo, expressed optimism that the task team will work with both national and State structures to bridge gaps in maternal health service delivery.

Permanent Secretary, Oyo State Ministry of Health, Dr. Akintunde Ayinde, described the initiative as a movement to restore dignity to motherhood and protect the most vulnerable.

“Let me emphasise that this initiative is not just a programme, it is a movement to restore dignity to motherhood, to protect the most vulnerable, and to fulfil our moral and constitutional duty to safeguard life.

“Our approach is both technical and humane — guided by evidence, sustained by empathy, and strengthened by collaboration.

“Let us continue together to build a future where no woman dies while giving life, no child is lost to preventable causes, and no community is left behind in the march towards equity and wellbeing,” he says.

Stakeholders at the event pledge their commitment to supporting the initiative, while pregnant women present receive cash gifts.

The event also features drama, songs, and moving testimonials from women who successfully deliver under the MAMII-supported care system. (NAN)