By Doris Obinna
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to health journalism and advocacy, Health Editor, Independent Newspapers, Chioma Umeha, has been inaugurated as one of the 12 champions of the Advocacy and Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child Nutrition and Health (AIM-MNCNH) project in Lagos State.
The ceremony, organised by the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in collaboration with the Lagos State Government and development partners, also honoured two super champions.
In a call to action, Lagos State President, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Dr. Funmi Ige, announced the inauguration of the 14 AIM-MNCNH champions, noting that their role is to lead advocacy towards combating maternal deaths particularly those resulting from postpartum haemorrhage (PPH), the leading cause of maternal mortality worldwide.
Ige emphasised that “almost every day, one woman somewhere in Nigeria dies from this fatal haemorrhage,” urging both health professionals and the wider public to act collectively.
The initiative is part of a concerted effort to improve health outcomes for mothers and children across Lagos state and beyond.
Umeha, inaugurated as Chairperson, Lagos State Media Advocacy Working Group, joins a distinguished group of advocates selected for their leadership, influence, and commitment to maternal and child health issues in Nigeria.
She affirmed that the project which focuses on reducing maternal deaths through strategic community engagement is championed by the Africa Centre of Excellence for Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP), Bayero University Kano, in collaboration with a consortium of four partners.
“These include, ACE Network in Africa, Pathfinder International, Nigeria, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
“The AIM-MNCNH were carefully selected based on their unwavering commitment, strategic influence, and proven leadership in advancing MNCH interventions within their field,” Ige stressed.
The advocacy champions will spearhead awareness campaigns in their communities, engage local primary-healthcare leaders, and gather grassroots data to inform policy. Ogunyemi stressed that Governor Sanwo-olu expects rigorous justification for budgetary requests, with clear metrics on impact.