The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has reached over 38,000 people across 170 communities in Lagos and Ibadan with awareness campaigns aimed at preventing maternal deaths, particularly those caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). The intervention is part of WARDC's 11-month TRANSFORM project in Lagos and Oyo states, with a target of reaching 50,000 people across more than 100 communities.
PPH is a major maternal health emergency characterised by excessive bleeding after childbirth, which can rapidly become life-threatening if not recognised and managed promptly. WARDC's intervention seeks to improve community awareness of the warning signs and the importance of timely access to appropriate healthcare. The organisation has been engaging women's groups, youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, health workers, and other community stakeholders through sensitisation sessions, community dialogues, and town-hall meetings.
A major component of the project is improving understanding of Tranexamic Acid (TXA), a medicine that can play a role in the clinical management of PPH when administered appropriately by health professionals. WARDC stressed that its campaign on TXA is not intended to encourage self-medication, but rather to ensure that women, families, health workers, and communities understand PPH, the importance of seeking urgent medical care, and the role of TXA within appropriate clinical care.
The organisation has distributed over 10,000 simplified information, education, and communication materials and strengthened linkages between communities and appropriate health facilities. WARDC said these interventions are designed to ensure that information about preventing maternal deaths reaches women and families before emergencies occur, while improving awareness of where and when to seek care. The project's community mobilisation is being supported by radio, television, print, and digital campaigns.
WARDC is using social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, alongside media interviews, expert discussions, and feature stories, to broaden public conversations around PPH, maternal healthcare, and accountability. Over the course of the 11-month project, the organisation plans to organise radio and television programmes that will bring together women, health workers, community leaders, advocates, and other stakeholders to discuss barriers to safe motherhood.
WARDC is also engaging government and health-sector stakeholders on the adoption, implementation, and availability of appropriate interventions for PPH, including TXA, in accordance with relevant clinical guidelines and health-system requirements. The organisation said evidence gathered from communities, including testimonies, monitoring findings, and issues raised through media and public discussions, would inform these policy and health-sector engagements.
Executive Chair of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, highlighted the role of journalists in tackling preventable maternal deaths, urging the media to move beyond reporting statistics and individual cases. With the project already reaching over 38,000 people, WARDC said it would continue its community mobilisation, media engagement, and policy advocacy efforts towards its target of 50,000 people, with particular emphasis on improving knowledge and timely response to postpartum haemorrhage.
Key points
- WARDC's TRANSFORM project aims to prevent maternal deaths from postpartum haemorrhage in Lagos and Oyo states.
- The organisation has reached over 38,000 people across 170 communities with awareness campaigns.
- WARDC's campaign includes improving understanding of Tranexamic Acid (TXA) and promoting community awareness of PPH warning signs.
