Alarming Maternal Mortality in Nigeria
According to the Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC), Nigeria faces a dire situation with over 62,000 maternal deaths annually.
This staggering number places Nigeria at the top of the list for maternal death rates worldwide.
#WeMenForHer Movement Launches
Amidst this grave concern, the MRHRC is gearing up to launch the ‘#WeMenForHer Movement.’
This month-long initiative aims to shed light on Nigeria’s escalating maternal health crisis and seek solutions.
The movement’s inaugural activities commence in Lagos.
Root Causes of Maternal Mortality
Prof. Abosede Afolabi, founder of the MRHRC, attributes the high maternal mortality rates to several factors.
These include a lack of access to quality healthcare services, especially in rural areas, cultural influences that occasionally lead pregnant women to reject skilled medical care, and poverty, which acts as a significant barrier to accessing antenatal care.
The MamaBase Project: A Vital Intervention
A central objective of the movement is to promote the MamaBase project—a groundbreaking intervention designed to safeguard and empower expectant mothers throughout their maternal journey.
A dedicated team of community health workers will be deployed to provide continuous support to pregnant women within their communities, ensuring they receive essential antenatal care and access skilled healthcare providers during childbirth.
Ambitious Goals for MamaBase Intervention
The scale of the endeavor is noteworthy. The #WeMenForHer campaign aims to enroll an initial 5,000 women into the MamaBase Intervention.
Impressively, 250 expectant mothers have already benefited from this program, celebrating safe deliveries.
The campaign seeks to raise N100 million, with each woman receiving a dedicated allocation of N20,000 for comprehensive maternal care.
The Power of Gender Collaboration
Prof. Afolabi emphasizes that the WeMenForHer campaign exemplifies the strength of working together across gender lines to enhance maternal health and create a brighter future for mothers in Nigeria.
Global Impact and Recognition
Dr. Mobolanle Balogun, an MRHRC spokesperson, underscores the immense burden of maternal health in Nigeria.
She highlights that Nigeria accounts for a staggering 30 percent of maternal deaths worldwide, emphasizing the urgency of addressing this pressing challenge on a global scale.