Lagos State Tackles High Maternal Mortality Rates

Lagos State is confronting its maternal mortality rate, currently estimated at 400 deaths per 100,000 live births, through targeted solutions. Despite being a model state in Nigeria and Africa, the reduction pace remains below expectations, with less than a two-point annual reduction.

Akin Abayomi, the Lagos State Commissioner for Health, highlighted the need for urgent attention to the multifaceted reasons behind this slow progress, including fragmented operations among agencies involved in maternal healthcare delivery. Monsurat Adeleke, the Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Health District, noted that unregistered traditional birth attendants and poor health-seeking behavior are worsening the situation.

Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, from the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, reiterated that maternal mortality is an urgent public health concern. The meeting convened by MRHCollect, led by Olajumok Ok, aimed to identify gaps and bring stakeholders together to improve antenatal care and delivery rates, emphasizing the importance of coordinated action across the health sector.