Mirian Gom 
ONDO, Nigeria – Jhpiego Global and the Ondo State Government are expanding efforts to reduce maternal mortality through a partnership aimed at improving maternal health services and preventing postpartum haemorrhage.
The announcement was made on Wednesday in Akure by Jhpiego President and Chief Executive Officer Dr Allyson Bear following a review meeting of the Postpartum Haemorrhage Project in Ondo State.
Bear said Jhpiego remains committed to improving maternal health outcomes across Africa through innovation, training and collaboration with governments.
“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,” she said.
The project, launched in 2014 and piloted in Ondo and Kebbi states, has become a model for improving maternal healthcare delivery.
According to Bear, the organisation has trained healthcare workers, strengthened the availability of medicines and essential commodities, and renovated health facilities to create safer environments for women.
“Jhpiego is very proud to be a part of that, to be able to bring innovative and new practices to places like Ondo State,” she added.
Ondo State Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa, represented by Special Adviser on Health Matters Prof Simidele Odimayo, described the partnership as vital in addressing postpartum haemorrhage, one of the leading causes of maternal deaths in low-income countries.
The governor said the state’s “OUR EASE” development agenda prioritises maternal health and includes strengthening health insurance coverage
“Dedicated phone numbers have been made available to the public to make calls and get help immediately to the nearest health facility,” he said.
Retired doctors and nurses have also been re-engaged to address workforce shortages.
According to the World Health Organisation, postpartum haemorrhage causes approximately 70,000 maternal deaths annually worldwide, making it one of the most significant causes of maternal mortality.
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Oluwafunbi Bello 
Korede Abdullah