In a significant step towards combating high maternal and infant mortality rates in the country, the Rotary Club of Lagos has partnered with HelpMum Africa and Medheights, a pharmaceutical company, to provide essential healthcare services to 100 pregnant women.

The initiative, in line with Rotary International’s commitment to improving maternal and child health, aims to ensure safe pregnancies and healthy deliveries for mothers and their newborns.

President of the club, Toki Mabogunje, during the event, highlighted the grim statistics surrounding maternal and child health in Nigeria.

“In Nigeria, maternal and newborn mortality rates are among the highest in the world. The deaths of newborns in Nigeria represent 25 per cent of the total number of deaths of children under the age of five years. Thirteen out of the children born every day in Nigeria actually die before their first birthday, and one in eight doesn’t survive up to their fifth birthday,” she said.

Mabogunje emphasised Rotary’s dedication to the cause, asserting that “every mother and child deserves best healthcare,” noting that many maternal and child deaths are preventable, and Rotary works globally to provide essential medical services, including immunisations and safe delivery assistance.

The partnership with HelpMum Africa, a Nigerian healthcare organisation, leverages mobile technology and low-cost innovations to tackle issues. HelpMum offers clean birth kits and a vaccination tracker, which is available as a mobile service. The collaboration also includes Medheights, a pharmaceutical company, which has contributed to the provision of supplements for women.

“Today is about joining forces to make a difference in the lives of our mothers and our children in our communities. Together we can create a future for all,” Mabogunje said.

She, therefore, expressed gratitude to the pregnant women in attendance, fellow Rotary Club members, and partner organisations for their commitment to the project.