By Peter Adelowo
The Founder of Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health, Dr. Natasha Oyibo, has called for collective action to end preventable maternal and child deaths in Nigeria.
Dr. Oyibo made the call while speaking to journalists during the foundation’s anniversary walk, held to draw attention to the rising cases of maternal and child mortality in the country in Abuja.
According to her, the event was organised to raise awareness and mobilise Nigerians against deaths that occur during childbirth and from preventable childhood diseases.
“Today, we are making this a movement. We are saying no to maternal and child deaths in Nigeria. Our women should not die during childbirth and our children should not die of preventable causes.”
She stressed the importance of antenatal care, hygiene and proper nutrition for pregnant women, urging expectant mothers to register early at healthcare facilities and attend regular antenatal clinics.
“Once you know you are pregnant, register for antenatal care at the nearest health facility. Maintain good hygiene, eat nutritious food and attend your antenatal clinics regularly. Pregnancy needs support from families and communities.”
Dr. Oyibo identified ignorance, poor health-seeking behaviour and failure to access healthcare facilities as major causes of maternal and child mortality, noting that many women wrongly assume that every pregnancy will be problem-free.
She called for increased awareness, community sensitisation and stronger collaboration between government, non-governmental organisations and local stakeholders.
“Nigeria has one of the highest maternal mortality rates. We cannot leave this fight to the government alone. NGOs, communities and individuals must all play their part.”
The founder also urged governments at all levels to partner with NGOs to strengthen healthcare delivery, especially at the grassroots, and to adequately equip primary healthcare centres.
“We need partnerships and collaboration. Primary healthcare centres are closest to the people, but they must be equipped. Government needs to allocate more resources and funding to our hospitals.” she stated.
Dr. Oyibo added that where conventional healthcare is not accessible, trained traditional midwives and community gatekeepers can play a supportive role in guiding pregnant women, while emphasising the need for proper training and supervision.
She expressed hope that sustained advocacy and cooperation would significantly reduce maternal and child mortality and leave a lasting legacy of improved healthcare for women and children in Nigeria.
On his part, a stakeholder and supporter of the Arieli Foundation for Maternal and Child Health, Mr. Emanuel Iroh, identified awareness as a critical tool in reducing maternal and child mortality in Nigeria.
Mr. Iroh said ignorance remains one of the major challenges confronting efforts to end preventable deaths among women and children, especially in underserved communities.
He noted that the Foundation has continued to extend its campaigns beyond urban centres to rural communities within the Federal Capital Territory, where many women still rely on untrained traditional birth attendants for childbirth due to lack of access to proper healthcare.
Mr. Iroh also called on men to actively support women during pregnancy and childbirth, stressing that collective responsibility, community engagement and government collaboration are essential to safeguarding the lives of mothers and children.
Highlight of the event was a healthwalk from the Jabi Lake to the Life Camp Junction where over 500 women and young girls participated.
