The Lagos State Government has called for stronger community-based awareness, counselling and improved access to healthcare services as part of efforts to reduce maternal deaths in the state.

The Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mobolaji Ogunlende, made the appeal on Monday during a memorial and advocacy meeting held in Lagos to address preventable maternal deaths linked to unsafe maternal health practices.

The event focused on improving awareness, reducing stigma and encouraging women and girls to seek timely medical support.

Maternal deaths remain a major concern

Ogunlende, represented by Lagos youth ambassador Suliat Olaniyan, said maternal mortality remains a serious challenge affecting families and communities.

He stressed that every woman deserves access to safe, respectful and quality healthcare services, especially during pregnancy and childbirth.

According to him, the impact of losing women goes beyond healthcare concerns, affecting families, communities and the wider society.

“When we lose women, we lose the future of our society. These are mothers, leaders and role models,” he said.

Warning against unsafe practices

The commissioner cautioned against unsafe methods of pregnancy termination and the use of unqualified providers, saying such practices often lead to avoidable deaths and serious health complications.

He warned that some individuals still seek help from untrained persons who use harmful substances, putting lives at risk.

Ogunlende encouraged families to create an environment where young people can discuss personal challenges without fear or shame.

He said stigma often prevents girls from seeking help early, allowing problems to become more dangerous.

Community counselling and family support needed

The commissioner urged parents to maintain open communication with their children and pay attention to their relationships and wellbeing.

He said early guidance and counselling could prevent many risky situations.

Ogunlende also called on communities to move beyond cultural and religious stigma when addressing maternal health challenges.

“This is not about religion; it is about life. If a child makes a mistake and is alive, there is room for correction,” he said.

He encouraged stakeholders to intensify education campaigns, noting that many people still underestimate the dangers associated with maternal mortality.

Ikeja council seeks stronger community involvement

The Chairman of Ikeja Local Government Area, Olalekan Dauda, called for greater collaboration among communities, healthcare providers and religious leaders to improve maternal health outcomes.

He identified poor awareness, stigma and limited knowledge of available reproductive health services as factors contributing to preventable maternal deaths.

Dauda said healthcare personnel and facilities exist in communities, but many residents are unaware of the services available to them.

He disclosed that Ikeja Local Government has nurses, matrons and counsellors available to support residents but said more awareness was needed.

“Our best is not enough. We must continue to engage our people,” he said.

Religious leaders urged to support awareness

Dauda appealed to religious leaders to participate in maternal health awareness campaigns because of their influence among young people.

He said faith leaders could help promote responsible decisions and encourage individuals to seek medical assistance when needed.

The council chairman also shared concerns about how stigma can prevent young women from seeking help, warning that fear and shame may lead some girls to dangerous alternatives.

Advocacy groups push for maternal health awareness

The advocacy meeting was organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) in collaboration with the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) and the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), Lagos Chapter.

The programme honoured women and girls whose deaths were linked to preventable maternal health challenges.

It featured testimonies from survivors, affected families and advocates working to improve healthcare access and reduce stigma.

Background Information

Maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge in many developing countries, including Nigeria.

Common factors contributing to maternal deaths include:Delayed access to healthcare, Limited awareness of available services, poor emergency response,unsafe pregnancy-related practices,social stigma preventing women from seeking help.

Public health experts often emphasise community education, skilled birth attendance and stronger healthcare systems as key interventions