The Lagos State government has scored another first in perfection by reinforcing its position as a national leader in the fight against maternal mortality.

This followed the success of MamaBase, a groundbreaking maternal health initiative developed as a collaboration involving the state government and public health experts at the Maternal and Reproductive Health (MRH) Collective.In 2023, the World Health Organisation (WHO) estimated that 79,500 Nigerian women died from childbirth-related causes, nearly 29% of global maternal deaths. Lagos, one of Nigeria’s most densely populated states, was particularly vulnerable.

In response, and in addition to other targeted programmes, the state government provided resources and support for scientists working at MRH Collective to pilot the “MamaBase” initiative in the 58-year-old state.Through this medical revolution, about 7,800 lives were saved in 2024.

MamaBase is built on a data-driven framework called M.I.L.E.S. (Mapping, Identifying, Linking, Educating, and Supporting), and the state government worked with the MRH team to implement the programme that identifies at-risk pregnant women, connects them to antenatal and delivery care, and provides consistent support and follow-up throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.

Founder and Chairman of MRH Collective, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, in her remarks said: “Our goal was to stay with every woman from start to finish, and what we’re particularly happy about is that the Lagos State Government were a willing and able partner in every facet of our journey. And the results speak for themselves.

”Between October 2023 and September 2024, the team from the Lagos State Government and MamaBase recruited 7,883 pregnant women across Lagos. Of those, 99.9% survived childbirth. This is a dramatic improvement compared to the national maternal mortality rate of 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births. More than 80% of the women delivered in health facilities with skilled birth attendants, and 60% completed four or more antenatal visits, an essential indicator of safe outcomes. The programme achieved a maternal mortality rate of just 123 per 100,000 live births, nearly 10 times lower than the national average.

The partnership between Lagos State and the MamaBase initiative aligns closely with the state government’s THEMES+ agenda, which prioritises equitable access, data-driven interventions and improved outcomes for vulnerable populations.

On her part, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, who is Special Adviser on Health to Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said: “MamaBase aligns with the government’s goal of building a more inclusive, resilient health system, one that prioritises preventive care, strengthens primary healthcare and ensures that no woman is left behind during pregnancy and childbirth. As a government, we have consistently demonstrated this commitment and are proud to be a part of developing this model that will potentially save the lives of many women, not just in Lagos, but across the entire country.”

Following this success, Lagos State is working with its partners to expand MamaBase to 12 new local government areas across the Centre of Excellence.