Giving birth is regarded as one of the most wonderful experiences in life.
However, the death of a mother during pregnancy or child delivery is a tragedy that comes with so much disappointment and carries a huge burden of grief, pain and heartbreak.
This menace despite preventable has continue to wreak havoc aggressively to families, terminating innocent lives in Nigeria.
According to United Nations Children’s Education Fund, UNICEF, birth process in Nigeria has remained one of the most dangerous journeys for majority of women and their unborn child.
Every 10 minutes, UNICEF revealed, one pregnant woman dies on account of pregnancy or childbirth in Nigeria and every single day, 2,300 under – five olds and 145 women of childbearing age.
This makes Nigeria the second largest contributor to the under – five and maternal mortality rate in the world.
Disturbingly, the Federal Ministry of Health also disclosed that every year, the country records 814 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
The Ministry also revealed further that every year Nigeria welcomes 831,100 babies born prematurely, and 87,800 of the premature babies die every year, while one in three new-born deaths are due to per-term birth complications.
These are troubling statistics and according to World Health Organization(WHO) and the fight for survival is even tougher trying to obtain money for treatment, distance to health facility and having to take transport , accessing healthcare a difficulty.
Kemi Salami, sadly has been part of the story, she had lost her only child just 2 weeks after giving birth.
Narrating her experience at the launching of MTN Foundation project in Ogun state, called YellowHeart Initiative in partnership with the Federal Government, and support from Audrey Pack, a non-governmental organization.
Salami said the experiences losing her son, Wasiu, in June, was one she is determined not to let happen again to her or other women around her.
Sitting beside her husband, who had left his mechanic workshop to be part of the programme, Salami said “she feels embarrassed, knowing 70 percent of why she lost her baby was her fault. I wish I had the knowledge I have now, I would have been a nursing mother now”
She is not alone, another Victoria Eseneyan, recounted in tears how the death of one of her twin baby, still hunts her.
“Everyday I remember his face, cry every night, I have waited many years for a baby, to lost one was a bitter pill to swallow.”
Speaking at the event, Director, MTN Foundation, Dennis Okoro, said “It doesn’t have to remain this way and we all have a part to play in changing the story from negative to positive.”
He noted that a sizeable number of these deaths were from preventable causes while others occur due to lack of access to pre-natal care, “The rate at which the United States’ maternal mortality ratio has grown is also disturbing. “
In order to reduce the child mortality rate he said the Yellow Heart Project will be a grassroot, through this initiative, we seek to create unhindered access to health care systems and skilled health professionals for pregnant women.”
“Ogun state is the first to experience the yellow heart initiative and other states have been arranged to follow, we realize that most deaths of mothers and children in our communities can be prevented using existing knowledge, and proven cost-effective interventions. This is why we hope to use the Yellow Heart initiative to address predominant issues such as attitude and cultural practice.”
“MTN Foundation remains an investor in the betterment of lives for Nigerians not only through health but also through various education and economic empowerment projects,” he stressed
Okor added further that the Foundation’s longstanding partnership with the federal government had facilitated the establishment of mammography centres, provision of equipment to maternal wards and primary healthcare centres.
“I use this platform to reiterate our dedication towards partnering with the government and other well – meaning individuals to contribute positively to the development of our societies.”
Commissioner for Health Babatunde Ipaye in his welcome address thanked the MTN foundation for the interest in supporting the drive towards reducing maternal and infant mortality rate in the state.
Ipaya who was represented by permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Nafiu Aigoro said, “We are equally glad that you consider us in this first phase of your great service to women and children Nigeria, the initiative will help us to consolidate on our various initiative for women in the state.
He continued: “today’s event underscores the importance of taking strategic, specific steps to address and reduce infant and maternal mortality in the state and country.
Ipaye promised the state will give maximum support to the foundation in carrying out all its programme.
Also speaking on the launch of the initiative, CEO of Audery pack Lilian Odim applauded MTN and the state government, for championing the project.
“It is an error for a woman to die giving birth, indeed this is good tidings for mothers and children in Ogun State.”
Odim further highlighted the importance of having skilled medical attendants while the mother is giving birth to ensure the safety of mother and baby.
“Safe childbirth through a skilled birth attendant, ensuring delivery in quality health facilities, and easy access to referral systems are essential to lower overall child mortality. Many of these deaths annually in Nigeria could be averted simply by having someone around who can make prompt decision and knows the importance of safe delivery to make sure the birth took place safely, and knowing what to do in an emergency,” she said.
Other activities which took place during the launch, include a panel discussion on maternal and child health as well as ante natal and post-natal sensitization for pregnant women. A distribution of delivery kits for pregnant women around the state.
