Esther Salifu
The National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has celebrated the first-ever delivery of quadruplets under its Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Neonatal Care (CEmONC) programme, describing the milestone as a “victory for maternal and child healthcare” in Nigeria.
The babies two boys and two girls were delivered through a caesarean section on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the Federal University of Health Sciences Teaching Hospital, Azare.
Their mother, 35-year-old Hauwa Usman, had initially been diagnosed with triplets and fetal malpresentation, but doctors successfully delivered four babies instead.
Congratulating the medical team and the family, NHIA Director General, Dr. Kelechi Ohiri, commended the programme’s impact in protecting vulnerable households. Represented by Bauchi State Coordinator, Mustapha Mohammed,
Dr. Ohiri said”CEmONC is a life-saving emergency care for women and newborns in underserved areas like Gambaki village where Hauwa lives. The programme addresses the leading causes of maternal deaths in Nigeria and shields families from financial and social pain. For Hauwa, her family, and all other beneficiaries, all treatments are covered free.”
Mohammed also praised Hauwa’s husband, Abubakar Adamu, for rushing his wife from their home in Gambaki village, 35 kilometers away, to access the facility in Azare.
“The prompt conveyance of the mother to a tertiary facility during her peripartum period saved her life, saved the babies, and spared the family the catastrophic burden of huge medical bills,” he noted.
Hospital officials welcomed the successful delivery as a landmark achievement. Chief Medical Director, Dr. Dauda A. Katagum represented by the Head of Clinical Services, Dr. Sani Abdullahi Giade stated that
“Since the commencement of CEmONC here, 422 pregnant women have benefitted. This quadruplet delivery is the first of its kind at our facility. We are grateful to NHIA for an intervention that continues to save lives and provide succour to the vulnerable.”
Head of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Dr. Achanpa Anemona Sunday, explained that the patient was slated for an emergency caesarean after being diagnosed with triplets and malpresentation.
“Intraoperatively, she delivered quadruplets. The case was rare and delicate, but both the mother and babies are safe. We now appeal for social support to help sustain their wellbeing,” Dr. Sunday said.
Expressing his joy, the children’s father, Abubakar Adamu, who is a peasant farmer, said the family was overwhelmed with gratitude but appealed for assistance.
“I am delighted with the gift of these children. They are a blessing, but I humbly appeal for financial support to enable me to care for them,” he said.
Reiterating its commitment, NHIA said the achievement reflects the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Nigeria Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative led by Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Ali Pate.
“This is not just about one family,” Mohammed stressed. “Every mother and child saved under this programme is proof that Nigeria is moving toward a healthier, more secure future.”
