ROTARY LEADS THE FIGHT AGAINST MATERNAL DEATHS IN NIGERIA WITH ENHANCED CHILD HEALTH REPORTING

By Vincess Okushi

Nigeria is facing a critical health crisis with alarming rates of child and maternal mortality.

Recent statistics reveal that under-five mortality stands at 132 deaths per 1,000 live births, while the infant mortality rate is 67 deaths per 1,000 live births.

Additionally, the maternal mortality ratio is a staggering 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. 

In response to this dire situation, Rotary International has intensified its efforts to find sustainable solutions to these preventable deaths.

One of their key initiatives is the Rotary Action Group for Reproductive Maternal and Child Health (RMCH) Journalists Training and Workshop 2024.  

Themed “Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria,” this program aims to enhance the quality and accessibility of healthcare to reduce neonatal and maternal mortality rates.

At the workshop, Professor Emmanuel Lufadeju, Country Director of Rotary-RMCH, emphasized Nigeria’s priority status for Rotary.  

He highlighted the urgent need for innovative approaches to foster positive change.

The Rotary Foundation created Programs of Scale to support Rotary member-led, evidence-based programs that have already demonstrated success. Scaling proven programs will benefit more people and foster policy development and sustainable programs. This program is designed for journalists interested in health and population issues. Its purpose is to promote accurate, knowledgeable, enterprising, and investigative reporting. Through this training, journalists across the country will contribute to reducing maternal and infant deaths and promote the use of web-based electronic data management in Nigeria

Also, Dr. Binyerem Ukaire, Director of the Department of Family Health, represented by Barr. Chinyere Ogbonna underscored the media’s vital role in advancing healthy families and called for greater focus on health disparities to improve policies and outcomes for mothers and children.

As we continue to address the challenges in reproductive, maternal, and child health, we count on your ongoing support to sustain and amplify these efforts

Consequently, Hannatu Dung, Chief Midwife of Rotary RMCH, pointed out the shortage of human resources and urged the media to advocate for changes in the sector. 

There’s a policy of task shifting, putting extra pressure on doctors, whose duties are often transferred to nurses and midwives. Sometimes, midwives and nurses are redirected to community roles to keep things running. We need the media’s voice to make meaningful change. That’s why we believe you can help us.

Earlier, Maimuna Isa, FCT Primary Health Care Board Reproductive Health Coordinator, stressed the importance of promoting healthy families to reduce mortality rates, eliminate poverty, and improve nutritional outcomes for a healthier society.

We don’t have skilled attendance in the facilities. Nigeria has made no progress toward reducing maternal mortality. Investing in reproductive and maternal health services will improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs, enhance economic productivity, and decrease inequality

Rotary International has trained 20 health journalists to amplify the call for reducing maternal and neonatal deaths and to boost skilled birth attendance across Nigeria.  

This initiative represents a significant step toward a healthier future for Nigerian families.

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