In a significant step towards combating Nigeria’s high maternal and infant mortality rates, the Rotary Club of Lagos has partnered with HelpMum Africa and Medheights, a pharmaceutical company, to provide essential healthcare services to 100 pregnant women. The initiative, in line with Rotary International’s commitment to improving maternal and child health, aims to ensure safe pregnancies and healthy deliveries for mothers and their newborns.
During the event, Rotarian Toki Mabogunje, President of the Rotary Club of Lagos, highlighted the grim statistics surrounding maternal and child health in Nigeria. “In Nigeria, maternal and newborn mortality rates are among the highest in the world,” she stated. “The deaths of newborns in Nigeria represent 25% of the total number of deaths of children under the age of five years. Thirteen out of the children born every day in Nigeria actually die before their first birthday, and one of eight don’t survive up to their fifth birthday.”
Mabogunje emphasized Rotary’s dedication to the cause, asserting that “every mother and child deserves the best healthcare.” She noted that many maternal and child deaths are preventable, and Rotary works globally to provide essential medical services, including immunizations and safe delivery assistance.
The partnership with HelpMum Africa, a Nigerian healthcare organization, leverages mobile technology and low-cost innovations to tackle these issues. HelpMum offers clean birth kits and a vaccination tracker, which is available as a mobile service. The collaboration also includes Medheights, a pharmaceutical company, which has contributed to the provision of supplements for the women.
“Today is about joining forces to make a difference in the lives of our mothers and our children in our communities. Together we can create a future for all,” Mabogunje said. She also expressed gratitude to the pregnant women in attendance, fellow Rotarians, and the partner organizations for their commitment to the project.
Beyond providing supplements and medical services during pregnancy, the initiative includes tracking the newborns to ensure they receive all mandatory vaccinations. This comprehensive approach underscores the Rotary Club of Lagos’s objective of championing the cause of humanity and fostering a healthier future for the community.
