The founder of a non governmental organisation- Pregnancy Support Foundation (PSF), Mrs. Adesua Oni, has called for urgent steps to address the increasing rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Speaking in an interview with journalists during a medical outreach for pregnant women in the Mando area of Kaduna metropolis, she noted that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate is one of the highest in the world.
According to her, Nigeria accounts for the second-highest number of maternal and child deaths globally.
Quoting statistics from the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, Oni said, more than 50,000 pregnant women die every year in Nigeria.
Oni, a professional nurse, said the PSF has been in the forefront for contributing its quota to reducing maternal mortality rate through its “Safe Motherhood Medical Outreaches” programme in many communities with low socio-economic status.
She said the challenges facing pregnant women, especially, those in rural communities
include, illiteracy and deep seated ignorance about their healthcare, poverty, lack of access to health facilities, lack of support from husband and family members, cultural and religious beliefs among others.
Oni called on government and religious groups to sensitise women about health issues as it concerns pregnancy.
She also called on governments at all levels to encourage health professionals to be more committed to grassroots through better renumeration and sponsoring of health outreaches.
Oni said the PSF plans to hold quarterly outreaches to as part of its contributions to address the problems.
The outreach which was attended by many women, focused on counselling on safe motherhood, importance of facility-based delivery and appropriate diet during pregnancy, medical checkups and antenatal care attendance, among others.
Free delivery packs were also given to all pregnant women who attended the programme.
Oni who said the outreach was organised in partnership with Information Technologies Hub and Cynosure, commended the company and appealed for more of such partnership with other corporate bodies and well meaning individuals to address challenges facing pregnant women
