A maternal health program led by the Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHC) has provided antenatal and emergency care to 7,883 pregnant women across 12 local government areas in Lagos State.
The initiative, known as MamaBase, was implemented between October 2023 and September 2024 was aimed at improving maternal health outcomes in underserved communities by linking women to health facilities and providing access to essential services at no cost.
The program has recorded 7,467 safe deliveries and achieved a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 123 per 100,000 live births among beneficiaries, significantly lower than Nigeria’s national average of 1,047.
The program was active in 12 local government areas, including Epe, Eti-Osa, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Mushin, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ojo, Amuwo-Odofin, Kosofe, Agege, and Apapa.
Eighty percent of the women enrolled accessed skilled care at health facilities. There was a 50 percent reduction in third-trimester pregnancy losses, while 144 high-risk women received emergency care, including support for cesarean sections. The program also recorded a 99.9% child survival rate.
Olufunmilola Owosho, chief operating officer of MRHC, said the program aimed to link at least 5,000 women to formal healthcare within a year and surpassed that goal. She identified key challenges encountered during implementation, including a lack of health insurance, the absence of birth plans, and limited emergency transport options.
“Some cultural and social factors also prevent women from seeking care,” she said. “We are calling for more partnerships to expand this model to other high-risk areas.”
Oluwatosin Laleye, senior program manager (research) at MRHC, said the organization also engaged in training traditional birth attendants, conducting health education sessions, and sending out telehealth messages to increase awareness and improve outcomes.
MHRC also disclosed that Phase 2 of the project, which would be a more streamlined and efficient process, would be extended to Kaduna State, targeting 10,000 pregnant women, adding that it would also focus on disadvantaged communities.
A representative of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Abimbola Mabogunje, commended the initiative and described it as a valuable contribution to improving maternal and reproductive health in the state.