Mothers and children in crisis: A call to action for change in Nigeria’s maternal and child health

The Gates Foundation’s 2023 Goalkeepers Report serves as an unwavering beacon, illuminating the grim reality that Nigeria, a nation of boundless potential and promise, languishes as the third-worst performer globally in maternal and child mortality rates. Behind these stark statistics lies a heartbreaking narrative: for every 100,000 pregnant women embarking on the sacred journey of childbirth, a staggering 1,047 will not emerge victorious, transforming what should be a moment of unbridled joy into a somber tragedy for thousands of families annually. Tragically, this somber tale extends its tendrils beyond the maternal realm, with studies revealing that a devastating 37% of newborns orphaned by maternal mortality fail to blow out the candle on their first birthday cake. These figures, cast against a backdrop of burgeoning innovations and technological advancements across all sectors, paint a poignant paradox – the preventable loss of countless lives amid the tapestry of progress.

At the heart of this healthcare crisis lies the ominous specter of postpartum hemorrhage, the relentless scourge responsible for claiming the lives of countless mothers. Characterized by the loss of half a liter of blood within a mere 24 hours of childbirth, this silent assailant strikes swiftly and mercilessly. Yet, amidst this grim reality, a flicker of hope emerges, born from the ingenuity of Nigeria’s very own Prof. Hadiza Galadanci and her dedicated team. Their solution, elegant in its simplicity, yet profound in its impact, lies in the form of a plastic sheet shaped like a V, delicately suspended at the bedside. This innovative drape, akin to the rising mercury in a thermometer, provides healthcare providers with an intuitive visual cue, facilitating swift identification of patients teetering on the precipice of peril. Paired with a suite of low-cost interventions, this groundbreaking approach heralded a remarkable 60% reduction in severe bleeding cases, underscoring the transformative potential of grassroots innovation in combating maternal mortality.

Yet, the path to salvation from this healthcare crisis demands a collective clarion call to action. A mere injection of iron could stave off the specter of anemia, preserving precious lives and imbuing hope into once-desperate circumstances. Moreover, a concerted effort to elevate maternal health within the tapestry of our social and economic discourse, fueled by the twin engines of education and community engagement, is imperative. Initiatives such as the Eden Venture Group’s Transforming Together MNCH stand as stalwart guardians of progress, leveraging evidence-based strategies and harnessing the dual power of digital and grassroots platforms to amplify awareness and drive tangible change.

As we traverse the tumultuous terrain toward bridging the chasm between innovation and impact, our resolve remains unwavering. Though we find ourselves deviating from the prescribed trajectory in achieving the critical SDG goal, the rallying cry for change reverberates with newfound urgency. With unwavering dedication from policymakers, impassioned advocates, industry stalwarts, tireless healthcare professionals, and every member of society, a brighter future beckons. A future where the ominous specter of maternal mortality no longer casts its long shadow over the dreams of women and the aspirations of families, recognizing that the health and well-being of mothers and children stand as linchpins in the fabric of social and economic prosperity.