By Ebunoluwa Sessou

An organisation dedicated to the reproductive health of women; Maternal & Reproductive Health Collective, MRH Research Collective, has pledged to ensure that the maternal mortality rate in the country is reduced to its barest minimum.

Unveiling its new logo with a theme, ‘Rebirth’, same vision, new look, the organization assured that, it will not relent to prioritize the health, wellbeing of women, children and family at large.

In her address, the founder, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, a consultant in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Lagos and Lagos University Teaching Hospital, stated that the mission of the organisation is to reduce maternal mortality, adding that they provide care for all categories of women anywhere they are during child birth of reproductive activities.

According to her, “We have assisted 7,883 mothers, and we have achieved a survival rate of 99.9%. We have trained almost 1,952 people in respective maternity care.

“We have covered the cost or emergency of many women, and we have assisted several communities involving over 3,000 women. Every life saved is a story of hope, resilience and collective action. Nigeria has the highest mortality rate in the world. But it’s something that collaboratively and collectively we can reduce.

“Life is about change, we cannot remain the same as an organisation, we have to improve and what we are doing today is a symbol of the journey we started together.

“We are launching our website to serve as a hub of education and advocacy. We are more determined to reduce mortality rate, not just in Nigeria or Africa, but all over the world. We thank our partners, our donors, our team and our Board of Directors. “Your belief in our mission has been the backbone of our mission,” she stated.

In her message, veteran Nollywood actress, Taiwo Hassan known as Iya Awero commended the founder for her efforts in championing the cause of women, children and family at large.

Also, the CEO of Redwire Marketing, Ms Temitayo Utomi, stated that the organisation has been working since 2007 to improve women’s healthcare. Adding that, MRH Collective wants to honour the past and shape a new cause for the future.

She stated that the organisation needs a new identity and that things are changing in the world.

“We thought about what the new identity should be. We came up with a new visual and verbal identity, a clearer and stronger message. We also developed a brand that speaks with purpose and impact with a commitment to community driven-change. The new logo shows a woman, which is about changing the lives of women,” she said.

In her goodwill message, Dr Tope Balogun from the Lagos State Primary Healthcare Board, said MRH Collective has been very consistent in helping the women especially in the area of maternal and health child health.
One of the beneficiaries, Mohammed Mariam revealed that the organization assisted her to access free tests and blood and donated lots of gifts.

Another beneficiary, Mrs. Temitope Oladele, said she encountered the organisation through a neighbour. “The organization paid for my antenatal care and scan. They called me hours after I gave birth to my baby. Their help was a big relief,” she said.