Maternal Health Advocacy Essential for Nigeria’s Sustainable Progress
Stakeholders in Nigeria’s healthcare sector have emphasized the need for collaborative advocacy to drive sustainable progress in maternal health across the country. The call was made during a webinar organized by Pathfinder International and the Center for Communication and Social Impact to raise awareness about the critical issues affecting maternal health.
Pathfinder International’s Country Director, Dr. Amina Dorayi, emphasized the importance of advocacy in holding stakeholders accountable for their commitment to improving maternal health outcomes. She stressed that collaboration among government agencies, healthcare providers, and communities is crucial for achieving sustainable progress on maternal health.
Dr. Folashade Oludara, Head of Family Health and Nutrition Directorate, Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted policy documents for maternal health in Lagos, including six months of maternity leave for exclusive breastfeeding and free antenatal and postnatal care. However, she identified challenges such as a growing population, overstretched facilities, and staff apathy as major barriers to effective maternal healthcare in the state.
The webinar also featured presentations from Dr. Imam Bello, Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Kano State Ministry of Health, and Salisu Yusuf, Public Relations Officer, Kano State-Led Accountability Mechanism. Dr. Bello lamented the lack of dedicated funding for maternal health and emphasized the need for strategic advocacy, resource allocation, and accountability mechanisms to improve outcomes.
Meanwhile, Salisu Yusuf advocated for policy reforms to support maternal health policies, including addressing socioeconomic factors such as poverty, education, and cultural barriers. He noted that community engagement and sustainable funding for long-term financial support for programs are essential for ensuring the success of maternal health initiatives.
As Nigeria grapples with the issue of high maternal mortality rates, collaborative advocacy and policy reforms are critical components of a comprehensive approach to improving maternal health outcomes. The country’s healthcare sector must prioritize these efforts to ensure that every Nigerian woman has access to quality care, enabling families and communities to thrive.
