Digital Infrastructure Needed to Address Lagos Maternal Deaths

Maternal mortality remains high in Lagos, Nigeria, partly due to pregnant women switching hospitals during pregnancy, which disrupts continuity of care. A viral case involving an unidentified woman in Abuja illustrates these challenges, as she lost her pregnancy due to delays in obtaining a referral letter and financial barriers.

Kemi Folajimi's case further exemplifies the issue; she faced complications during pregnancy and was denied treatment due to not registering for antenatal care. Her husband, Akinbobola Folajimi, claimed she was denied treatment because of an upfront deposit requirement.

Experts estimate that 82,000 women in Nigeria lose pregnancies related to inadequate care annually. The lack of a unique patient identification system and fragmented medical records contribute to these issues.

Digital public infrastructure solutions are deemed urgent to bridge these gaps, as emphasized by healthcare experts and organizations like Nigeria Health Watch and the World Health Organization.