Radio Nigeria, with its reach and flexible programming across diverse audiences, including major Nigerian languages, remain central to effectively disseminate information on the high rate of maternal mortality in the country.
A group of non- governmental organization made the observation during a courtesy visit to the Committee of Management (COM) of Lagos Operations of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), as they sought collaboration to reduce maternal deaths in Lagos State.
The group under the auspices of Advocacy and Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health (AIM-MNCNH) project, focuses on reducing maternal mortality through strategic community engagements.
The initiative is led by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, in collaboration with partners including ACE Network in Africa, Pathfinder International, Nigeria, Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
The group stressed the need for policy action and cost-effective interventions to curb maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Speaking on behalf of the group, Dr. Funmi Ige identified postpartum haemorrhage as the leading cause of maternal deaths in the country.
She emphasized the need for partnership with Radio Nigeria to amplify awareness on the importance of skilled birth attendance, voluntary blood donation, and enrollment in the National Health Insurance Scheme to reduce out-of-pocket expenses.
“We seek collaboration with Radio Nigeria to help prevent maternal deaths, especially those caused by postpartum haemorrhage. We need airtime to sensitize the public through our health workers and advocacy champions at the grassroots,” she said.
Dr. Ige, who leads the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), described maternal mortality figure as alarming, noting that the country accounts for about 28 percent of global maternal deaths.
“No woman should die while giving life,” she stressed.
She explained that the group had inaugurated 22 champions and two super champions in Lagos to drive grassroots advocacy, including traditional rulers and religious leaders, aimed at dispelling misconceptions and promoting accurate health information.
According to her, Nigeria records about 600 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births, with a quarter resulting from excessive bleeding, most of which are preventable.
She called for increased awareness, male involvement in maternal health, and stronger family support systems, emphasizing that pregnancy should be a shared responsibility.
Responding, the Director, Lagos Operations, Princess Adenike Adegoke, commended the group affirming Radio Nigeria’s commitment to supporting initiatives that preserve life.
She highlighted the corporation’s wide reach through its Lagos stations—Radio One 103.5FM, Metro 97.7FM, and Bond FM 92.9FM, which broadcast in English, Pidgin, and indigenous languages.
“You have come to the right place. Radio Nigeria remains the largest broadcast network in the country, with stations across all states and the FCT,” she said.
Princess Adegoke assured the team of support through airtime and advocacy, stressing the importance of blood donation and health insurance coverage in improving maternal health outcomes.
Also speaking, Deputy Director, New Media, Julie Ekong, noted that Radio Nigeria has consistently championed maternal and newborn health issues and urged the consortium to maximize the partnership, while also acknowledging the need for funding support for certain broadcast services.
The meeting concluded with extensive discussions on strategies to address maternal health challenges and strengthen collaboration, culminating in a group photograph.
Members of the FRCN Lagos management team present included heads of engineering, ICT, programmes, marketing, and station managers, among others.
The consortium delegation also featured media and interfaith health advocacy representatives.
Reporting By Innocent Onoh