NGO Decries High Rate Of Maternal Mortality In Nigeria

A non- governmental organisation (NGO), Maternal and Reproductive Health Research Collective (MRHRC) has lamented the high rate of maternal mortality.

The executive director of MRHRC, Dr. Omobolanle Balogun, who stated this at a press conference in Lagos yesterday said the organisation will help to reduce maternal mortality rate in Nigeria by rendering medical assistance to 5,000 pregnant  women in the country in the next three months.

Balogun, said the organisation took it upon itself to help pregnant women in Nigeria because of the increasing rate of death recorded during child delivery in Nigeria.

He said about 82,000 pregnant women die annually which constitutes 30 percent, adding that the rate was too high and the highest in the world.

Balogun noted that most of the problems attributed to high mortality rate are hemorrhage, infection, lack of qualified medical personnel and lack of facilities.

She noted that in most of the rural areas, the medical facilities are not available and in some cases the location is far from the patients.

Balogun said part of the problem is responsible for high maternal mortality, lack of information and high rate of poverty.

She stated that MRHRC is working at saving 5,000 pregnant women, saying the programme will start in Lagos State.

Balogun explained the objective of the organisation is to ensure child birth is a moment of celebration and joy and not a time of sorrow.