An international non-governmental organisation, Jhpiego, has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ondo State’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality through the introduction of innovative maternal healthcare practices aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and ensuring the survival of mothers and newborns.
Speaking during a stakeholder engagement on maternal health, a representative of the organisation said the partnership is focused on ensuring that women experience safe pregnancies and childbirth while gaining access to quality healthcare services.
“In this particular case, we’re talking about maternal survival. We are making sure that our women, that our mothers are able to have a healthy pregnancy, have a healthy child, and Jhpiego is very proud to be a part of that, to be able to bring innovative and new practices to places like Ondo State, to be able to support efforts to reduce maternal mortality and make sure women thrive,” the representative said.
The collaboration comes as governments and health organisations intensify efforts to tackle maternal and neonatal deaths across Nigeria, where maternal mortality remains a major public health challenge. Jhpiego, a global health non-profit affiliated with Johns Hopkins University, has been involved in several maternal and child health initiatives in Nigeria, including programmes focused on reducing deaths linked to childbirth complications such as postpartum haemorrhage.
Ondo State has long been recognised for implementing innovative maternal health interventions. Through programmes such as the “Abiye” (Safe Motherhood) initiative, the state has recorded significant improvements in maternal healthcare utilisation and reductions in maternal deaths over the years. The initiative combined community engagement, improved healthcare services, and expanded access to skilled birth attendants.
Health experts have consistently identified access to quality antenatal care, skilled birth attendance, emergency obstetric services, and community awareness as critical factors in reducing maternal mortality. According to studies on maternal health interventions in Ondo State, increased facility-based deliveries and strengthened primary healthcare systems have contributed to improved outcomes for mothers and newborns.
The latest partnership is expected to complement ongoing state and federal government initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates. Earlier this year, Ondo State partnered with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to develop strategies targeted at cutting maternal and newborn deaths by 30 per cent by 2027.
Stakeholders expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between government agencies, development partners, and healthcare providers would further strengthen maternal healthcare delivery and help save the lives of more women and infants across the state.
