The Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC) has revealed that approximately 62,000 Nigerian women lose their lives due to pregnancy-related complications, marking the highest maternal mortality rate worldwide,leadership reports.
In response to this alarming crisis, MRHRC is launching a month-long campaign called the ‘#WeMenForHer Movement’ in Lagos. This initiative aims to raise awareness and seek solutions to Nigeria’s escalating maternal health challenges.
Prof Abosede Afolabi, the Founder of MRHRC, addressed these concerns during a virtual press conference in Lagos. She attributed the high maternal mortality rates in Nigeria to factors such as limited access to quality healthcare services, particularly in rural areas, cultural influences that discourage pregnant women from seeking skilled medical care, and the significant barrier of poverty, with nearly 70 percent of Nigerians living below the poverty line.
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The primary goal of the #WeMenForHer Movement is to promote the MamaBase project—an innovative intervention designed to protect and empower expectant mothers throughout their maternal journey. As part of this initiative, a dedicated team of community health workers will be dispatched to provide ongoing support to pregnant women in their communities, ensuring they receive essential antenatal care and have access to skilled healthcare providers during childbirth.
The scale of this endeavor is impressive, with plans to enroll an initial 5,000 women into the MamaBase Intervention. Notably, 250 expectant mothers have already benefited from this program, leading to safe deliveries. The #WeMenForHer campaign aims to raise N100 million, with each woman receiving a dedicated allocation of N20,000 for comprehensive maternal care.
Afolabi emphasized that the WeMenForHer campaign illustrates the power of unity in improving maternal health. It transcends gender boundaries and strives to create a healthier future for Nigerian mothers.
Similarly, Dr. Mobolanle Balogun, a representative of MRHRC, highlighted the enormous burden of maternal health in Nigeria. She stated, “Unfortunately, the number of maternal deaths is shockingly high. Nigeria accounts for 30 percent of maternal deaths worldwide, a challenge that cannot be ignored by the global community.”
