Health Stakeholders Address Maternal Mortality Rates in Lagos
In response to the alarming maternal mortality rate in Lagos State, health sector stakeholders convened recently for a two-day meeting focused on enhancing the maternal health system. This initiative, organized by the Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRHCollective) in collaboration with various governmental health agencies and partners, aimed to address critical issues affecting maternal health.
Existing Challenges Highlighted by Officials
During the meeting, participants voiced their concerns alongside Lagos State Health Commissioner, Akin Abayomi. He emphasized that although Lagos is often regarded as a model for healthcare in Nigeria and Africa, it continues to grapple with a daunting maternal mortality rate of approximately 400 deaths per 100,000 live births.
Slow Decline in Maternal Deaths Sparks Concern
Oladapo Asiyambi, Deputy Commissioner for Lagos State Health District 5, pointed out that while there has been a decline in maternal deaths within the state, the rate of reduction remains disappointingly low. He noted that the anticipated annual decrease should range between 15 and 20 points; however, Lagos has only managed a decline of less than 2 points per year, indicating significant gaps that urgently need attention.
Fragmentation in Maternal Health Care Delivery
Asiyambi highlighted the fragmentation among institutions and stakeholders in the maternal healthcare sector as a critical issue impeding progress. He explained that government agencies, NGOs, and healthcare providers often operate in isolation, crafting and executing strategies without adequate collaboration or community engagement. This lack of coordination leads to gaps in service delivery and the duplication of efforts, ultimately failing to meet the actual needs of patients.
Impact of Unregistered Midwives and Health-Seeking Behaviors
Adding to the discussion, Monsurat Adeleke, Permanent Secretary for Lagos State Health District 3, underscored the detrimental role of unregistered traditional midwives alongside inappropriate health-seeking behaviors among patients. Meanwhile, Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustapha, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, reiterated that maternal mortality continues to represent a pivotal public health challenge, exacerbated by structural gaps in interventions.
Coordinated Action Essential for Progress
Mustapha stressed the need for a coordinated approach across the healthcare sector to achieve meaningful outcomes. He stated that goals such as increasing antenatal care attendance, improving facility delivery rates, and expanding health insurance coverage require the integration of support from all partners within the annual operational framework. Disjointed interventions, regardless of their intent, could limit their impact and place an unnecessary burden on health resources.
Strategies for Harmonizing Maternal Health Care
In his closing remarks, MRHCollective Executive Director Olajumoke Oke emphasized the conference’s role in addressing identified gaps by uniting stakeholders across the maternal healthcare spectrum. He pointed out the notable discrepancies in antenatal care attendance, delivery rates, and child immunization statistics. Oke observed that while many women attend antenatal clinics, they often fail to give birth in healthcare facilities or return for vaccinations, illustrating a breakdown in care continuity.
“We aim to streamline the continuum of care, from antenatal care to safe childbirth, immunizations, and family planning,” Oke remarked, underscoring the urgency of creating a more cohesive maternal healthcare system.
