Segun Atanda/
The Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRH), alongside prominent scholars and researchers, spotlighted the silent emergency of maternal mortality in Nigeria and presented game-changing data from its MamaBase and Iyaloju initiatives today at a press conference at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 10 Dr. Nurudeen Olowopopo Way, Alausa, Ikeja.
The statistics are sobering: Nigeria is responsible for 28.5% of global maternal deaths. MRH states that this figure is equivalent to a plane full of women crashing every day. This happens every single day for an entire year. But MRH is rewriting the narrative.
Dr. Olajumoke Oke, the organisation’s Acting Executive Director, led the MRH team at the press conference. She emphasized the program’s community-centric approach: “We register vulnerable pregnant women and link them to primary health facilities. We also provided free scans, tests, and emergency care. This approach has shown that systemic change is possible even in resource-limited settings.”.
MamaBase: A Lifeline for Lagos Mothers
MamaBase was launched in October 2023 across 12 Local Government Areas in Lagos State. It enrolled 7,883 pregnant women. The program supported 7,467 safe deliveries. MamaBase recorded a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 123 per 100,000 live births. This is a dramatic improvement over the national average of 1,047.
“99.9% of our participants survived childbirth. That’s not just a statistic—it’s a revolution,” declared Dr. Oke.
Dr. Oke identified the 12 local governments areas. They are: Epe, Etiosa, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Mushin, Ajeromi, Ojo, Amuwo, Kosofe, Agege, and Apapa.
Key outcomes include:
80% of enrolled women delivered in health facilities.
60% completed four or more antenatal care visits.
Emergency medical aid was provided for 144 high-risk cases, including cesarean sections.
Neonatal mortality among participants dropped to 18 per 1,000 live births, significantly below both the Lagos and national averages.
Real Stories, Real Impact
“MamaBase paid for my surgery when complications arose. I’m alive today because of them,” said Mrs. K. Leger, a program beneficiary.
“They covered my scans when I had no money. That made all the difference,” added Mrs. D. Agape.
Barriers Persist
Despite the program’s impact, MRH identified persistent challenges:
Low health insurance enrollment, with many unaware of state-backed schemes like Ilera-Eko.
Lack of emergency transport, especially in poor weather or late-night scenarios.
Sociocultural delays, where health decisions rest with husbands or elders, often resulting in dangerous delays.
Next Stop: Kaduna
MRHC, encouraged by the Lagos’ success, plans to replicate its intervention in Kaduna State. Maternal mortality rates there are reportedly alarmingly high. Targeting 10,000 women, the Kaduna rollout will employ the proven M.I.L.E.S. framework—Monitoring, Identifying, Linking, Executing, and Supporting—with implementation planned to begin in Q2 2025.
“We are ready to support Kaduna’s administration in its fight to save mothers’ lives. Our success in Lagos shows what’s possible,” said Dr. Oke.
A Model of What Works
The press conference, attended by government officials, researchers, and development partners, also showcased MamaBase’s broader impact:
Grassroots campaigns like #WeMenForHer and #RunForHer mobilizing public awareness.
Strategic partnerships with Sterling Bank, Oce, Adelaide Fitness, and health institutions.
A robust maternal health registry driving evidence-based policy-making.
“No woman should die giving life,” Dr. Oke said. “With data, compassion, and collaboration, we can rewrite this story—not just in Lagos, but across Nigeria.”
Those who made presentations at the event included Dr. Oluwatosin Laleye, Senior Program Manager for Research; Ms. Fehintoluwa Aluko, Research Project Coordinator; Mr. Olalekan Olagunju, Senior Data Manager, Mrs. Funmilola Owosho (Chief Operating Officer), Dr. Ahmed Bello, the Director of Medical Service from District 5.
0
