In a significant effort to combat high maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Nigeria, Tolu Medical Centres hosted an empowerment program for more than 600 pregnant women across its facilities in Olodi Apapa, Ajegunle, and Ojo Road, Lagos.
The program, known as the Health-Gathering, took place on Saturday at the Ojo Centre and on Sunday at Olodi Apapa. It attracted beneficiaries from various ethnic and religious backgrounds, along with medical personnel, to mark the event.
Muhammed Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, recently revealed that 57,000 mothers died from pregnancy-related complications in 2023 alone.
Mrs. Olajumoke Caxton-Martins, Group Managing Director of Tolu Medical Centres, explained that the Health-Gathering supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 3.1. This goal aims to reduce the global maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 per 100,000 live births by 2030.
Caxton-Martins highlighted data from UNICEF showing that Nigeria, which represents 2.4% of the global population, accounts for 10% of the world’s maternal deaths. The 2023 World Health Organization (WHO) report noted that Nigeria has the second highest rates of maternal, stillbirth, and neonatal deaths globally, following India.
According to the report, Nigeria has an estimated 540 deaths per 1,000 women and children, while India reports 788 deaths per 1,000. Nigeria’s ranking is on par with Pakistan (10%), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5%), and Ethiopia (4%).
“Tolu Medical Centre has been operating for 37 years,” Caxton-Martins said. “Annually, on our anniversary, we host a gathering for pregnant women. We provide meals, entertainment, and gifts, aiming to make them happy while educating them on safe childbirth practices. Today, we gathered approximately 350 pregnant women.”
Dr. Oluwatobi Emmanuel, Medical Director of Tolu Medical Centre in Olodi Apapa, spoke about the need for government intervention in managing emergencies for expectant mothers. He advocated for establishing toll-free emergency lines for pregnant women and suggested that ambulances be stationed in accessible community locations. Dr. Emmanuel also emphasized the importance of training healthcare professionals to manage such emergencies effectively.
Dr. Ayankoso Abayomi, Medical Director at Tolu Medical Centre in Ojo Road, reported that 250 women attended the Health-Gathering on Saturday.
Mrs. Esther Iheme, Deputy General Manager and former matron, highlighted that the Health-Gathering educates pregnant women about the significance of hospital deliveries and antenatal care.
Beneficiaries Juliat Musa Yaqub and Rukayat Bukola Olanrewaju expressed their gratitude for the program, noting that the hospital’s management has consistently prioritized patient care in emergencies over financial considerations.
