In Nigeria, the statistics are not just numbers; they are a crisis echoing through rural communities. A woman in Nigeria has a 1 in 19 lifetime risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes. For a woman in a developed country, that risk is 1 in 4,900. This stark inequality is one of the reasons why the Restored Heart Foundation (RHF) is not just talking about the problem but taking steps to address the growing concern.
We are proud to announce the launch of our Maternal and Child Health Initiative (MCHI), a community-powered project now active in Gassa and Chit communities of Barkin Ladi, Plateau State.
Why This Matters Here and Now
The data is clear: maternal mortality in Nigeria has risen to 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. The leading causes—hypertension, hemorrhage, and sepsis—are largely preventable with timely, quality care. Yet, in rural communities like Barkin Ladi, this care is often out of reach due to distance, cost, and a shortage of skilled health workers.
MCHI was created to be a lifeline. It is our direct answer to the systemic delays—in seeking care, reaching a facility, and receiving adequate treatment—that claim too many lives.
Our Strategy: Action, Not Just Awareness
While awareness is crucial, MCHI is built on a framework of tangible, on-the-ground interventions:
- Deploying Health Workers: We have recruited, trained, and deployed six dedicated and qualified health workers (nurses and community health workers), directly to the Primary Health Centres (PHCs) in Gassa and Chit communities.
- Strengthening Facilities: We've equipped these PHCs with essential medical equipment, beds, maternity kits, and drugs to ensure that when a pregnant woman arrives at the health facility, she can receive the needed medical care.
- Community-Led Education: Our team conducts continuous health talks and one-on-one counseling, empowering women and families with knowledge about danger signs, nutrition, and the importance of skilled care as they prepare to birth their children.
- Building a Sustainable System: We are training Traditional Birth Attendants and establishing a reliable referral system to handle emergencies, ensuring the community's safety net is strong long after our initial intervention.
A Movement of Restored Hope
Our core belief is simple: “When mothers are safe and children are healthy; the whole community thrives.”
The pilot phase of the MCHI project is now being implemented. Our health workers and community volunteers are in place, and the first antenatal sessions across both communities have commenced. This is the first step. Through continued support, we plan to scale MCHI to more communities across Nigeria.
We invite you to be part of this life-saving work. Read more about the project’s progress and consider supporting our mission to ensure that every life is preserved across our rural communities in Nigeria.
