Nigeria accounts for nearly 28% of global maternal deaths, with a maternal mortality ratio of 1,047 per 100,000 live births, a figure that continues to raise concern among public health stakeholders.
In response to this, OneHealth Pharmacy has launched the Màámi Initiative, a maternal and sexual health campaign aimed at improving access, awareness and health outcomes for women across the country.
The year-long initiative, according to a statement began with a three-day Sexual Health Awareness Week held mid February 2026 at the University of Lagos. The activation engaged hundreds of students across three locations: Moremi Garden and Makama Hall on the main campus, and the College of Medicine, Lagos University Teaching Hospital.
“Over the course of the programme, both female and male students turned out to access free health counselling, HIV testing, sexual and reproductive health consultations, and free contraceptives, including condoms. Across the venues, there was active participation, candid conversations and a noticeable openness among young people seeking credible health information”.
Speaking on the outcome of the kickoff, Oladotun Ola-Egbinola, Communications and Public Relations Officer at OneHealth Pharmacy, according to the statement said the initiative is designed to bridge persistent gaps in maternal and sexual healthcare.
“Maternal health outcomes are shaped long before pregnancy. By engaging young adults early with the right information and tools, we are influencing long-term health outcomes,” she said, adding that taking services directly to campuses and communities removes barriers that often discourage people from seeking care.
According to the Project Manager, Sarah Salako, Màámi will run monthly physical and virtual activations throughout 2026, focusing on maternal and sexual health education, preventive care and access to essential services. The initiative aims to reach over 15,000 women through physical outreaches and facilitate 8,000 to 10,000 WhatsApp consultations with licensed pharmacists via the OneHealth platform.
The University of Lagos programme was delivered in partnership with the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency (LSACA), the Association of Medical Students in Lagos and AIESEC in Lagos to broaden reach and engagement among students, the statement said.
Following the successful kickoff, the organisation said the Màámi Initiative will expand to markets, churches, corporate offices and additional campuses across Lagos and Ibadan in the coming months.
Healthcare professionals, community organisations and brands interested in supporting improved maternal health outcomes have been invited to collaborate as the initiative progresses. Interested parties were asked reach out via any social media channel @onehealthng or visit www.onehealthng.com
