Abuja, 18 September 2020 – Nigeria Health Watch has launched the Maternal Health Advocacy and Communications project to advocate for better access to quality maternal medicines and contraceptives in Nigeria.
The project is supported by funding from MSD for Mothers, and aims to establish a platform where key stakeholders and influencers in maternal health can collaborate and proffer solutions to challenges in maternal health service delivery in Nigeria.
According to the Trends in Maternal Mortality (2000-2017) report, 23% of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria. This calls for immediate attention, action and collaboration by stakeholders in government, private sector and civil society.
“Despite interventions to reduce Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates, there are still gaps that need to be addressed,” said Iyadunni Olubode, Nigeria Director, MSD for Mothers. “With this project, we hope to help fill these gaps and see increased joint ownership and responsibility for maternal health outcomes among stakeholders in Nigeria.”
In creating awareness about the impact of poor-quality maternal health medicines on health outcomes, Nigeria Health Watch will also collaborate with research institutions to publicize research findings on quality of maternal health medicines in Nigeria.
“Access to appropriate and quality maternal healthcare and medicines during childbirth is key to reducing maternal deaths in Nigeria. We have lost too many women due to the unavailability of quality medication during and after childbirth. Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together to ensure every Nigerian woman has access to quality maternal healthcare, especially medicines,” said Vivianne Ihekweazu, Managing Director, Nigeria Health Watch.
Recognising that access to quality contraceptive products and services is one of the most effective and low-cost ways to reduce maternal mortality, the maternal health advocacy and communications project, will illustrate, through a documentary, how an initiative is delivering primary health care and contraceptive services in hard-to-reach communities.
The 18-month project will elevate the critical role of quality maternal healthcare in Nigeria and drive policy change, leveraging relevant events and media to reach target audiences with key insights from the effort.
About Nigeria Health Watch
Nigeria Health Watch uses informed advocacy and communication to influence health policy and seek better health and access to healthcare in Nigeria. We seek to amplify some of the great work happening in the health sector, challenge the bad, and create a space for positive ideas and action. Through its various platforms, Nigeria Health Watch is a trusted source that provides informed commentary and in-depth analysis of health issues in Nigeria, always in good conscience. Learn more at www.nigeriahealthwatch.com
About MSD for Mothers
MSD for Mothers is MSD’s $500 million initiative to help create a world where no woman has to die giving life. Applying MSD’s business and scientific resources, MSD for Mothers collaborates with partners to improve the health and well-being of women during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period. MSD for Mothers is an initiative of Merck & Co., Inc., Kenilworth, NJ, U.S.A. Learn more at www.msdformothers.com
Contact:
Contact Person: Bunmi Oyebanji
Phone number: 09094789748
Twitter: @nighealthwatch
Facebook: @nigeriahealthwatch
Email: bunmi@nigeriahealthwatch.com