The Maternal and Reproductive Health Collective (MRH) today unveiled the impactful results of its MamaBase program, a groundbreaking initiative aimed at improving maternal health outcomes across some local governments in Lagos State.
The project, implemented between October 2023 and December 2024, has registered 7,883 pregnant women, facilitated 7,473 safe deliveries, and drastically reduced maternal mortality rates among participants.
The *MamaBase* program reported a maternal mortality ratio (MMR) of 120 per 100,000 live births among its beneficiaries—a stark contrast to Nigeria’s national average of 1,047 per 100,000. Key achievements include: 7,883 women enrolled in the program, with 80% accessing skilled maternal care at health facilities; 60% completed recommended Antenatal Care visits; Emergency care support provided for 144 high-risk women, including coverage for life-saving cesarean sections; and 99.9% child survival rate for deliveries under the program.
The program covered 20 local governments in its Phase 1 and will cover 12 local governments and/or LCDAs in Phase 2, namely: Epe, Etiosa, Ibeju-Lekki, Alimosho, Ikorodu, Mushin, Ajeromi, Ojo, Amuwo, Kosofe, Agege, and Apapa.
Some of those at the MRH’s Press Conference on the MamaBase Initiative impact report in Lagos …today
Dr. Olajumoke Oke, the organisation’s Acting Executive Director, who led the MRH team at the press conference, emphasized the program’s community-centric approach: “By registering vulnerable pregnant women, linking them to primary health facilities, and providing free scans, tests, and emergency care, we’ve shown that systemic change is possible even in resource-limited settings.”.
Stories of Impact
Testimonials from beneficiaries highlighted the program’s life-saving role. One participant, Mrs. K. Leger, shared: “When complications arose, MamaBase covered my cesarean section at Harvey Road General Hospital. Without them, I don’t know how I would have survived.” Another, Mrs. D. Agape, noted: “They paid for my scans when I had no money—it made all the difference.”
Scaling the Model
The success of MamaBase has spurred plans to expand the program, leveraging its “M.I.L.E.S. framework” (Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, Supporting) to other high-risk states. Dr. Oke said MRH is already in talks with Kaduna State, and has already met with stakeholders there.
The MamaBase initiative also includes: Community outreach and advocacy campaigns like #WeMenForHer and #RunForHer; Partnerships with organisations, including Sterling One Foundation and Data-driven policy making through maternal health registries and research.
According to Dr. Oke, The MamaBase report underscores the potential of targeted interventions to reverse Nigeria’s maternal health crisis. As she concluded, *“No woman should die giving life. With collaborative effort, we can make this a reality.
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