The grim picture

According to the World Health Organisation, out of 100 per cent Maternal Deaths in the world, Nigeria constitutes about 10 per cent and out of every 100,000 live births, 575 are lost, while 145 women are lost daily due to pregnancy related issues or during childbirth.

Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria says 11,600 maternal deaths were recorded in Nigeria between December 2015 and January 2016.

Last available data from Campaign Against Unwanted Pregnancy, CAUP, shows that while maternal mortality rate may have reduced in some parts of Lagos like Victoria Island and Surulere slightly, far more than 570 deaths per 100,000 live births were still experienced in places like Alimosho and Epe area of the state with no significant improve in the healthcare systems in these area.


Baruwa and Akinyele PHCs are in Alimosho LGA. Oko-Oba PHC is in Epe LGA.

Expert’s perception

A consultant Paediatrist and Gynaecologist, Dr. Ben Onaiwu, says what is being experienced in PHCs across the state was a result of systemic errors, noting that across the nation, priority has generally not been given to primary healthcare.

“If you check our budget, majority goes to the tertiary level of care, while just little is trickled down to primary healthcare. I don’t think the situation is any different in Lagos State. But if we all fix our healthcare system from the grassroots, there is the likelihood that maternal and newborn deaths will be greatly reduced.”

Onaiwu described primary healthcare as a pyramid where those at the base need more basic healthcare. “Those who will require secondary care will not be as much as those who would require primary healthcare. Same for tertiary and compared to secondary. But why do governments put more focus on tertiary healthcare while neglecting the base of healthcare which is the primary,” he said.

The Special Adviser, PHC to Lagos State Governor, Dr. Olufemi Onanuga says there is a new vigour to tackle issues relating to primary healthcare needs of Lagosians, adding that prioritising healthcare at the grassroots will make life easier for the rural poor.

He said a monitoring team was now in place to pay unscheduled visits to PHCs across the state.

THISDAY couldn’t confirm if the team has paid such unscheduled visits to Oko-Oba, Baruwa and Akinyele PHCs.

According to him, “PHCs that have not been functioning are now being equipped, like Orile Iganmu Primary Health Clinic have been equipped,” adding that the state was also recruiting health workers into flagship PHCs.