Doctors without borders opens hospital in Borno against maternal, neonatal mortality

In a frantic effort to address maternal and neonatal mortality in Borno State, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has built and inaugurated a new emergency medical facility in Maiduguri, Borno State.

The 92-bed health facility, according to an official statement, will provide life-saving care to women facing obstetrical complications and neonates requiring urgent medical attention.

Abubakar, Kullima, Professor and Chief Medical Director of Borno State Hospital Management Board, said the strategic partnership between the Borno Ministry of Health and MSF in this large-scale project underscored a shared commitment to increasing access to healthcare and combating preventable deaths.

“The opening of this facility marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to strengthen maternal and infant care services in Borno.

“Reducing the devastating impact of maternal and infant deaths is an absolute priority for the Borno government, and the Ministry of Health is committed to make this facility an excellence centre in this objective. The invaluable support from MSF in this project will be key in achieving this”, he said.

Karsten Noko, SF Head of Mission in Nigeria, said until 2029, the international medical charity (MSF), would provide medical and financial support to the Ministry of Health Staff to increase its autonomy in delivering high-quality maternal and neonatal care services.

He said in the next five years, a gradual transition plan would be implemented to transfer competencies and knowledge and complete withdrawal of MSF from the facility.

“We are most delighted to partner with the State Ministry of Health for such an important, life-saving project. With Borno State continuing to grapple with high mortality rates among mothers and newborns, the inauguration of this referral facility signifies a beacon of hope for women with obstetric complications.

“Yet, much more remains to be done to increase access to antenatal care for women, to detect and treat complications before they become a threat. Investment in basic maternal care for all women remains key to reduce the alarming rates of maternal and infant deaths in this region”, he said.