Lagos government calls for grassroots action to reduce maternal deaths

The Lagos State Government has called for greater community awareness, counseling and improved access to health services as part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths in the state.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlendemade the appeal Monday during a memorial and advocacy meeting held in Lagos address preventable maternal deaths linked to unsafe maternal health practices.

The event focused on improving awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging women and girls to seek timely medical support.

Maternal deaths remain a major concern

Ogunlende, represented by the Lagos Youth Ambassador Suliat Olaniyansaid maternal mortality remains a serious challenge affecting families and communities.

She stressed that every woman deserves access to safe, respectful and quality healthcare services, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.

According to him, the impact of losing women goes beyond health concerns, affecting families, communities and society at large.

“When we lose women, we lose the future of our society. These are mothers, leaders and role models,” she said.

Warning against unsafe practices

The commissioner warned against unsafe methods of terminating pregnancy and the use of unqualified providers, saying such practices often lead to avoidable deaths and serious health complications.

He warned that some people still seek help from untrained people who use harmful substances, putting their lives at risk.

Ogunlende encouraged families to create an environment where young people can discuss personal challenges without fear or shame.

She said stigma often prevents girls from seeking help early, allowing problems to become more dangerous.

Community counseling and family support are needed

The commissioner urged parents to maintain open communication with their children and pay attention to their relationships and well-being.

He said timely guidance and counseling could prevent many risky situations.

Ogunlende also called on communities to move beyond cultural and religious stigma in addressing maternal health challenges.

“It’s not about religion; it’s about life. If a child makes a mistake and is alive, there is room for correction,” he said.

He encouraged stakeholders to intensify education campaigns, stressing that many people continue to underestimate the dangers associated with maternal mortality.

Ikeja Council seeks greater community involvement

The President of Ikeja Local Government Area, Olalekan Daudacalled for greater collaboration between communities, health workers and religious leaders to improve maternal health outcomes.

It identified low awareness, stigma and limited knowledge of available reproductive health services as factors contributing to preventable maternal deaths.

Dauda said health personnel and facilities exist in communities, but many residents are unaware of the services available to them.

He disclosed that Ikeja Local Government has nurses, matrons and counselors available to support residents but said more awareness is needed.

“Our best is not enough. We must continue to engage our people,” he said.

Religious leaders urged support for awareness

Dauda appealed to religious leaders to participate in awareness campaigns on maternal health due to their influence among young people.

He said religious leaders could help promote responsible decisions and encourage people to seek medical care when needed.

The prime minister also expressed concern about how stigma can stop young women from seeking help, warning that fear and shame can lead some girls to dangerous alternatives.

Advocacy groups push for maternal health awareness

The advocacy meeting was organized by Women’s Advocates Research and Documentation Center (WARDC) in collaboration with the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter.

The program honored women and girls whose deaths were linked to preventable maternal health issues.

It featured testimonies from survivors, affected families and advocates working to improve access to healthcare and reduce stigma.

Basic information

Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria.

Common factors contributing to maternal deaths include: delayed access to healthcare, limited awareness of available services, poor emergency response, unsafe pregnancy-related practices, social stigma that prevents women from seeking help.

Public health experts often highlight community education, skilled birth attendance, and stronger health systems as key interventions