The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA), on Wednesday, launched the pilot of the neonatal component of the integral obstetric and neonatal care (CEMEMC) in the state of Kano, a decisive step to advance Nigeria’s progress towards universal health coverage (UHC).
The initiative, which is based on the success of the NHIA Maternal Program, was formally inaugurated during a high -level delegation visit to the Aminu Kano teaching hospital (AKTH) and the Ministry of Health of the state of Kano (KSMOH).
The maternal component of the initiative, introduced in July 2024 under the renewal investment initiative of the Health Sector of Nigeria (NHSRII), has already provided obstetric attention that saved the lives of thousands of women throughout the country. Only in Kano, more than 2,000 women have benefited, obtaining access to emergency obstetric services that would otherwise have been disabled.
In the Ministry of Health of the State of Kano, Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusif, the Honorable Health Commissioner, welcomed the expansion, praising Nhia to entrust Kano with the pilot phase.
He averaged the total support of the State and announced that adequate facilities had been identified for neonatal care for possible inclusion. Establishing a point of reference for success, the commissioner accused the participating hospitals to aim at a 95 percent survival rate for admitted newborns.
During the visit, Akth’s management expressed its gratitude for the CEMEMC program, pointing out its transformative impact on maternal health results in the state. The NHIA delegation confirmed the inclusion of AKTH in the neonatal pilot, which describes expansion as urgent and essential.
A tripartite memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed between NHIA, AKTH and RELIANCE HMO, the designated third parties administrator, to formalize the workflows for registration, the processing of claims and data reports. The visit culminated in the start -up of the Hospital Special Care Unit (SCBU), a dedicated installation for newborns that require intensive care.
In both commitments, three key results were achieved: the consolidation of the profits of the maternal initiative, the institutionalization of governance through the tripartite MOU and the state supervision strengthened with firm survival objectives for mothers and newborns.
The NHIA and the state representatives agreed the next immediate steps, including the incorporation of clinical and administrative equipment, the standardization of documentation processes and the expansion of the neonatal program as the preparation is confirmed.
The leadership of the NHIA under Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, general director, has been recognized for its approach to the intentional reform and promoted by evidence, with the interested parties that indicate that the CENMONC program reflects its commitment to take advantage of associations, innovative financing and data based on data to transform health delivery into Nigeria. The coordinating minister of Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, also recently praised the NHIA for its focused interventions, reaffirming the resolution of the federal government under the renewed agenda of hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to reduce maternal and child mortality and ensure that it does not remain behind in Nigeria in access to essential health.
By extending financial protection to both mothers and their newborns, NHIA has reaffirmed its commitment to reduce prevenible maternal and childish deaths while it is closer to Nigeria to the objective of universal health coverage.
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