Nearly 8,000 Lagos Women Reached by Maternal Health Scheme

A maternal health initiative in Lagos has reached nearly 8,000 pregnant women with antenatal and emergency care over a 12-month period, the Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHC) has said. The programme, known as MamaBase, was implemented across 12 local government areas between October 2023 and September 2024.

Acting Executive Director of MRHC, Olajumoke Oke, told journalists in Lagos that 7,467 safe deliveries were recorded, with a maternal mortality ratio of 123 per 100,000 live births, which is far below the national average of 1,047. The programme provided care at no cost and targeted underserved communities including Alimosho, Ikorodu, Mushin, and Eti-Osa.

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According to the MRHC, 80% of the women received skilled care, with a 50% reduction in third-trimester pregnancy losses. A total of 144 high-risk pregnancies received emergency intervention, while a 99.9% child survival rate was recorded. Traditional birth attendants were also trained, and telehealth education was used to reach more women.

The organisation says Phase Two of the programme will be expanded to Kaduna State, targeting 10,000 pregnant women in disadvantaged areas. The Lagos State Ministry of Health has commended the initiative as a valuable step toward improving reproductive health outcomes.