The Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) has reached over 38,000 people across more than 170 communities in Lagos and Oyo states through its 11-month TRANSFORM Project. This initiative aims to prevent maternal deaths, particularly those caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH). The project focuses on raising awareness about PPH, the clinical use of tranexamic acid (TXA), birth preparedness, and women's rights to quality maternal healthcare.
PPH is a major obstetric emergency involving excessive bleeding after childbirth, which can be life-threatening if not recognised and treated promptly. WARDC's campaign on TXA aims to educate women, families, healthcare workers, and community stakeholders about the dangers of PPH and the role of TXA in its clinical management. The organisation emphasises the need to seek urgent medical attention when complications arise, while discouraging self-medication.
WARDC Executive Chair, Prof. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, expressed satisfaction with the work of field officers across various clusters in Lagos State. She called for greater publicity of the project's success stories, stressing that sustained public awareness and media engagement are critical to preventing avoidable maternal deaths. Akiyode-Afolabi urged journalists to investigate the experiences of affected women and families, barriers to accessing healthcare, and the responsibilities of relevant institutions.
Field officers from different clusters shared experiences from the communities, highlighting the impact of the campaign and challenges encountered in reaching residents. They called for additional support to expand the programme and deepen awareness, particularly among women and vulnerable groups. The project has engaged women and youth groups, traditional and religious leaders, healthcare workers, and other community stakeholders through sensitisation meetings, community dialogues, and town-hall sessions.
WARDC's community-based approach aims to ensure that information on maternal health reaches people at the grassroots and encourages communities to take greater responsibility for preventing avoidable maternal deaths. The organisation believes that evidence gathered from the communities will be used to strengthen its advocacy and engagement with policymakers and health-sector authorities.
The TRANSFORM Project was implemented to address the high rates of maternal mortality in Nigeria. According to WARDC, the project has made significant progress in raising awareness about maternal health issues. The organisation plans to continue its advocacy efforts to promote accountability among communities, healthcare facilities, government institutions, and other stakeholders.
The project has contributed to a significant increase in awareness about maternal health issues in Lagos and Oyo states. WARDC's efforts have also encouraged communities to take action to prevent maternal deaths. The organisation's work has demonstrated the importance of community-based initiatives in promoting maternal health and reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Key points
- WARDC reaches 38,000 people across 170 communities in Lagos and Oyo states with maternal health campaign.
- The TRANSFORM Project aims to prevent maternal deaths, particularly those caused by postpartum haemorrhage (PPH).
- WARDC's community-based approach encourages communities to take greater responsibility for preventing avoidable maternal deaths.
