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The Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHC) has launched an initiative to provide free, safe delivery services to 15,000 vulnerable pregnant women in Lagos and Kaduna states by 2026. The program, an expansion of the foundation’s flagship ‘MamaBase’ initiative, aims to eliminate financial barriers to quality maternal healthcare.
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Nigeria faces significant challenges with high maternal mortality rates, with approximately 57,000 women estimated to have died during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days postpartum in 2023. According to a 2023 United Nations report, Nigeria accounts for nearly 28.5% of global maternal deaths.
The MRHC’s acting executive director, Dr. Olajumoke Oke, emphasised the need to reduce maternal and child mortality in the targeted states. “By offering these essential services, ranging from antenatal care to emergency medical interventions, we hope to break down the financial barriers that prevent many pregnant women from seeking proper care,” she said
The program will target 5,000 vulnerable women in 12 local government areas of Lagos and 10,000 women in selected LGAs in Kaduna State. MRHC has trained healthcare workers, including 284 PHC doctors and 69 nurses, on emergency obstetric care and 884 healthcare workers on respectful maternal care.
The Chief Operating Officer of MRHC, Dr. Olufunmilola Owosho, highlighted the success of the Lagos implementation, which prompted plans to scale up the program in Kaduna. “Phase II of the project is already underway with plans to reach thousands of women by 2026,” she said.
The initiative has shown promising results, with 7,883 pregnant women enrolled, 7,473 safe deliveries facilitated, and a maternal mortality ratio of just 120 deaths per 100,000 live births recorded in the first phase.
The CEO of Sterling One Foundation, Olapeju Ibekwe, noted that the partnership with MRHC is a pivotal step toward improving maternal health outcomes in Nigeria. “Our partnership with MRHC is grounded in shared values, data-driven solutions, community-led impact, and building resilient systems that empower women across Nigeria,” she said.
The program aims to address systemic issues, including lack of health insurance, inadequate emergency transport systems, and socio-cultural factors limiting women’s health-seeking behaviour. By working together with community leaders and partners, MRHC hopes to create lasting change in maternal healthcare
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