By Henry Obetta

In a step towards transforming maternal healthcare in Nigeria, globally acclaimed maternal wellness advocate, Oge Akinola, has unveiled the Preconception Readiness Score (PRS) Index, an innovative tool empowering women to take charge of their health and future before pregnancy.

Unlike traditional models that focus on antenatal care or emergency interventions, the PRS Index is leading the charge for prevention. Developed through The Mothers’ Hub, the tool evaluates key aspects of a woman’s health, from nutrition and hormonal balance to emotional wellbeing and sleep quality, offering a holistic picture of readiness for pregnancy.

Explaining the vision behind the PRS Index, Oge Akinola said: “We’re moving from treating problems after they occur to preventing them before pregnancy even begins. This is about giving women the knowledge and tools they need to optimize their health proactively.”

According to her, for decades, Nigeria has grappled with high maternal mortality rates, with many cases linked to preventable complications.

The PRS Index, she stated, provides a critical first step towards addressing this challenge.
She further explained that the personalized wellness plans, based on individual risk factors, empower women to make informed decisions about their reproductive health, well before conception.

Healthcare professionals are already taking notice.
“From private clinics in bustling cities to community health centres in rural areas, providers are exploring how the tool can be integrated into maternal wellness programs. Its adaptable design allows it to be used in both high-tech hospital settings and grassroots initiatives.

“The beauty of this tool is its accessibility. It can be used in various healthcare settings, making it valuable for women regardless of their access to specialized care”, Akinola said

The internationally, preconception care has long been a cornerstone of successful maternal health systems.

Countries like Finland and Japan, known for their low maternal mortality rates, have shown that early intervention and preventive models work.

Giving further details, she said: “This isn’t just about individual health, it’s about transforming healthcare systems.

“When we support women before pregnancy, we see dramatically better results. We’re talking about healthier mothers, healthier babies, and a stronger, more resilient nation.”

The PRS Index, she stated, integrates complex, evidence-based health assessments into a user-friendly format that resonates with both women and healthcare providers.

In addition, she said the PRS index breaks down barriers of access and understanding, giving women agency over their health in ways that are both practical and culturally adaptable.

“The tool’s launch comes at a crucial time, as healthcare systems worldwide pivot towards preventive care to improve outcomes and manage costs. The PRS Index offers a scalable solution, designed to work across various healthcare environments and population needs.

“Plans are already underway to expand its reach beyond its initial rollout, with policymakers and healthcare organizations showing strong interest in adopting the tool into their maternal health frameworks.

“This tool represents a new standard in maternal wellness. We’re not just improving existing care, we’re creating a completely new approach that puts prevention and women’s empowerment at the centre of maternal health.”