A non-governmental organisation (NGO), the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC), expressed dismay over the high rate of maternal deaths in the country, estimated at 62,000 annually.
The organisation emphasised its commitment to reversing this concerning trend.
Prof. Abosede Afolabi, the founder of MRHRC, conveyed this concern during a press conference held in Lagos.
She revealed that the organisation planned to initiate a month-long campaign titled “#WeMenForHer Movement.”
The campaign aims to raise awareness and propose solutions to the escalating maternal health crisis in the country, starting in Lagos.
The founder, a renowned gynaecologist, conveyed her concerns virtually, highlighting the high mortality rates among pregnant women due to inadequate access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural communities.
A core objective of this campaign is to champion the MamaBase project, a visionary intervention aimed at safeguarding and empowering expectant mothers throughout their maternal journey.
A dedicated group of community health workers will be deployed to provide continuous support to pregnant women in their communities.
Their role is to ensure these women receive essential antenatal care and give birth under the supervision of skilled healthcare providers.
“The scale of this endeavour is nothing short of astonishing, with plans to enrol an initial 5,000 women in the MamaBase Intervention.
Remarkably, 250 expectant mothers have already found solace in this programme, with some celebrating safe deliveries.”
“The #WeMenForHer campaign has set a monumental fundraising goal of N100,000,000. Each woman will benefit from a dedicated allocation of 20,000 naira for comprehensive maternal care.”
“The WeMenForHer campaign stands as a testament to the power of unity in the quest for improved maternal health.
It transcends gender boundaries to pave the way for a healthier future for Nigerian mothers,” she stated.
A representative of MRHRC, Dr Mobolanle Balogun, similarly lamented the burden of maternal health in Nigeria, describing it as astonishing despite the country’s potential.
She emphasised the alarming number of maternal deaths, noting that Nigeria accounts for 30 per cent of maternal deaths globally, a statistic that cannot be ignored.
“The burden of maternal health in Nigeria is astonishing, despite its potential. Unfortunately, the number of maternal deaths is alarmingly high.”
“According to statistics, Nigeria accounts for 30 per cent of maternal deaths globally. The world cannot ignore such a damning challenge,” Balogun stated.
She explained that some of the factors contributing to the high maternal mortality include haemorrhage, especially after delivery, obstruction during labour, infections, particularly after delivery, and other complications such as high blood pressure.
Balogun highlighted that the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommends antenatal healthcare to prevent maternal deaths. However, she noted that the quality of healthcare in the country is inadequate.
She also sadly noted that some pregnant women reject skilled care due to cultural influences. Poverty was identified as a major factor hindering antenatal care, with about 70 per cent of Nigerians living below the poverty line.
Ms. Funke Iroko, also speaking, conveyed that MRHRC’s vision was to ensure that women have access to quality healthcare.
She disclosed that the organization, in partnership with other organizations, through research, advocacy, and design interventions, was committed to addressing healthcare challenges faced by pregnant women in the country.
Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin, the Chairman of the Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos chapter, remarked on the significant burden of maternal deaths in the country.
He highlighted that developing countries typically have single-digit rates, whereas, in Nigeria, the rates are in the three-digit range.
He emphasised that SOGON had been actively fighting this scourge and was ready to partner with MRHRC on the campaign against maternal deaths.
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