MATERNAL HEALTH: NHIA Launches Neonatal Service in Kano

Kano, Nigeria – September 23, 2025

The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has officially launched a neonatal health service in Kano State, marking a significant step forward in the agency’s efforts to improve maternal and child health in Nigeria.
The new service is part of the NHIA’s Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) Programme, which is designed to extend critical healthcare services to vulnerable populations, particularly mothers and newborns.
Speaking at the launch, the Director General of NHIA, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, noted that the programme, initially piloted in Lagos, is now being expanded to other states across the country. “Our goal is to ensure that no mother or newborn dies from preventable causes,” he stated. “We are working to bring essential services closer to the people who need them most.”
Dr. Ohiri revealed that over 14,000 women have already received treatment under the maternal component of the programme, with Kano State accounting for approximately 40% of all beneficiaries so far. This underscores the state’s critical role in the success of the nationwide rollout.
To ensure transparency and effective delivery, the NHIA announced that independent external verifiers will oversee the implementation of the programme, providing oversight and ensuring accountability at every stage.
The launch of the neonatal service in Kano is seen as a crucial development in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality, particularly in underserved communities.