LAGOS/Nigeria: In a concerted effort to combat the alarming rates of maternal mortality in Nigeria, Sterling One Foundation has joined hands with Mrh Collective, Sterling Bank Ltd, and a consortium of other partners to stage a 5-kilometer run aimed at raising awareness and much-needed support.
The event commenced at I Fitness Gym, strategically situated along Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, before culminating at Munri Okunola Park on Victoria Island. The occasion served as a significant step forward in the fight against maternal mortality.
Addressing the media at the event, Mrs. Olapeju Ibekwe, Chief Executive Officer of Sterling One Foundation, underscored the dire need for immediate action to prevent the loss of lives during childbirth. She stated that the 5-kilometer walk was meticulously designed to rescue as many as 5,000 women from perishing while giving birth.
Ibekwe lamented the grim statistics, pointing out that Nigeria had lost a staggering 600,000 women due to childbirth-related complications between 2005 and 2015. Even today, over 80,000 women in Nigeria succumb to the same fate each year in their pursuit of bringing new life into the world, a reality that she deems utterly unacceptable.
“This is not acceptable anymore. And today, Mrh Collective, in partnership with Sterling One Foundation and other dedicated partners, have come together to lead the charge in ensuring that more women are spared the harrowing ordeal,” Ibekwe affirmed.
She emphasized that the 5-kilometer run was more than just a physical activity; it was a critical opportunity to save lives. Ibekwe also noted that providing the necessary consumables to save a woman cost a mere N20,000, underlining the accessibility of this lifesaving intervention.
Furthermore, Ibekwe highlighted the fact that childbirth was free in Lagos State but called on well-meaning Nigerians to contribute N20,000 to support women who couldn’t afford the consumables required for safe childbirth. She pointed out that over 200 women in Nigeria lost their lives daily due to childbirth-related complications, describing this as an intolerable situation.
“These figures are not just statistics; they represent living human beings with families who are plunged into mourning daily,” Ibekwe passionately stated. She expressed her gratitude to all Nigerians who came forward to support the initiative, emphasizing that collective efforts were essential to save the lives of 5,000 women.
The Chairperson and Founder of Mrh Collective, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, echoed similar sentiments, deploring the annual toll of women who lost their lives due to maternal mortality. Afolabi emphasized that the government alone could not overcome this crisis and urged well-meaning Nigerians and partners to work together to bring an end to this heartbreaking reality.
The Mrh Collective firmly believes that forging partnerships with Civil Society Organizations and individuals who care about the welfare of mothers and infants is the key to eliminating child mortality in Lagos State.
The event witnessed a massive turnout, with over 500 participants, including youths and celebrities, taking part in the run. Notable partners such as Giving.ng, Nigerian Breweries, I Fitness, and others lent their support to this vital cause.
This collaborative effort to combat maternal mortality in Nigeria underscores the significance of unity and dedication in addressing a pressing public health concern.
