Lagos govt pioneers new model to reduce maternal mortality

Lagos State has scored another first in perfection by reinforcing its position as a national leader in the fight against maternal mortality, saving about 7,800 lives in 2024 through MamaBase initiative.

It would be recalled that the World Health Organisation (WHO) in 2023 estimated that 79,500 Nigerian women died from childbirth-related causes, amounting to nearly 29 percent of global maternal deaths, with Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most densely populated states, considered particularly vulnerable. 

Founder and Chairman of Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, made this known, describing MamaBase as a groundbreaking maternal health initiative developed in collaboration between the state government and public health experts at the Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective.

Afolabi said the state government, in addition to other targeted programmes, equally provided resources and support for scientists working at MRH Collective to pilot the “MamaBase” initiative.

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According to her, MamaBase is built on a data-driven framework called M.I.L.E.S. (Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, and Supporting), pointing out that the the state government worked with the MRH team to implement the programme that identifies at-risk pregnant women, connects them to antenatal and delivery care, and provides consistent support and follow-up throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

“Our goal was to stay with every woman from start to finish, and what we’re particularly happy about is that the Lagos State Government were a willing and able partner in every facet of our journey. And the results speak for themselves,” Prof. Afolabi said. 

The governor’s aide said Governor Sanwo-Olu’s administration had consistently demonstrated this commitment, noting that the state government was proud to be a part of developing this model that would potentially save the lives of many women, not just in Lagos, but across the entire country.

This was just as she disclosed that the state government was working with its partners to expand MamaBase to 12 new local government areas across the Centre of Excellence, following the success so far recorded.

Also speaking, Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser on Health to Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said “MamaBase aligns with the government’s goal of building a more inclusive, resilient health system, one that prioritises preventive care, strengthens primary healthcare and ensures that no woman is left behind during pregnancy and childbirth. 

“As a government, we have consistently demonstrated this commitment and are proud to be a part of developing this model that will potentially save the lives of many women, not just in Lagos, but across the entire country. 

“Following this success, Lagos State is working with its partners to expand MamaBase to 12 new local government areas across the Centre of Excellence,” she stated.

NIGERIAN TRIBUNE