NGO Adopts ‘MamaBase’ Programme Against Maternal, Infant Mortality In Nigeria

A non-governmental organisation (NGO), Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRH Collective) has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Nigeria.

It adopts the “MamaBase Programme” to encourage pregnant women to access antenatal care and deliver their babies in health facilities under the supervision of skilled healthcare providers.

At a community sensitisation programme at Igbo-Owu Primary Healthcare Centre in Mushin, Lagos, on Wednesday, the community maternal health coordinator of MRH Collective, Atinuke Adenekan, said the initiative was designed to ensure that mothers and their babies survive pregnancy and childbirth. In a press statement made available to journalists in Abuja yesterday, Adenekan said the organisation was established in 2007 by Prof. Bosede Afolabi in response to the alarming rate of maternal and infant deaths in the country.

She explained that the “MamaBase Programme” now in its second phase, operates in 12 local government areas of Lagos State.  She added that the organisation also extends its services to hard-to-reach riverine communities.

Adenekan urged families and community members to encourage pregnant women to register for antenatal care, stressing that complications can arise unexpectedly during pregnancy and childbirth. While warning against the use of unqualified birth attendants and outdated childbirth practices, she recounted the case of a woman who lost her baby and womb after prolonged labour at a facility lacking adequate medical support. “Seeking skilled healthcare during pregnancy and delivery remains one of the most effective ways to prevent avoidable deaths and complications,” she said. Also at the event, the MamaBase coordinator for Mushin Local Government Area, Josephine Taiwo Igoluba, said the programme provides support to vulnerable pregnant women who cannot afford essential maternal healthcare services. She explained that community health extension workers identify expectant mothers facing financial challenges and link them to the programme, which covers antenatal registration, medical tests and ultrasound scans. Igoluba added that beneficiaries are monitored throughout pregnancy through appointment reminders and home visits when necessary. Support also continues after childbirth through postnatal follow-up and the provision of baby packs containing essential items. She said the programme’s ultimate goal is to save the lives of mothers and their babies by improving access to quality maternal healthcare.