By Iyemah David
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation (BMGF), has advocated for stronger efforts to reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Nigeria.
The foundation said that maternal and child mortality rates were declining too slowly to meet the 2030 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) target in spite of the progress made.
Senior Programme Officer of BMGF, Dr Charity Chenge said this in an interview on Sunday in Abuja, on the sidelines of the 2024 dialogue with the theme, “Scaling Maternal Health Innovations in Nigeria: Learnings, Challenges, and Opportunities”, organised by Nigeria Health Watch.
Chenge highlighted several key innovations that could accelerate progress for maternal, infant and child health care in the country.
Speaking of the postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) bundle, Chenge said that this comprehensive approach to managing severe bleeding after childbirth could save many lives.
She said that Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS), provide essential vitamins and minerals to pregnant women to improve maternal and newborn health.
“Maternal Azithromycin (MAZ), this antibiotic can prevent infections during childbirth.
“Intravenous Iron, treating anaemia in pregnant women can reduce complications during delivery.
“Handheld Ultrasound Devices, can help in monitoring pregnancies, especially in remote areas,” she explained.
Chenge stressed the importance of making these innovations widely available and overcoming barriers in the healthcare system to ensure they reach those in need.
“The Gates Foundation is committed to supporting these efforts through partnerships and funding.
“The Foundation has been working closely with Nigeria’s health ministry and other stakeholders to prioritise and scale up these life-saving innovations.
“Our goal is to significantly reduce maternal and newborn deaths by improving the quality and availability of healthcare services across the country,” Chenge said.
She reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to collaboration with various partners to enhance maternal and newborn health in Nigeria, ultimately saving thousands of lives.
According to the 2023 World Health Organisation report, maternal mortality remains a critical issue in Nigeria, with the country ranking second in the global maternal deaths index.
This alarming statistic highlights the gap between Nigeria’s current health outcomes and the SDGs target of 70 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
Also, stakeholders attributed the problem to systemic barriers such as poor access to healthcare services, financial constraints, and inadequate transportation infrastructure contribute to delays in seeking maternal healthcare.
However, innovative approaches in digital health; telehealth, and evidence-based interventions like E-MOTIVE, a postpartum haemorrhage management bundle, offer promising solutions to these challenges.
