MamaCare Launches Safe-Mum Initiative to Tackle Maternal Mortality

MamaCare Launches Safe-Mum Initiative to Tackle Maternal Mortality

JOEL OLADELE, Abuja

In a bid to reduce maternal deaths and improve maternal health care across Nigeria, MamaCare on Friday launched the Safe-Mum Initiative, a digital platform designed to support pregnant women, particularly in rural and underserved communities.

The unveiling and evening roundtable took place in Abuja, bringing together policymakers, community leaders, and health advocates.

Speaking at the event, Founder of MamaCare, Jane Chinwe Williams, recounted her motivation for creating the initiative. She highlighted the persistent challenge of maternal mortality, especially in rural areas where access to healthcare is limited.

“In 2022, I visited rural communities where some women could not even afford the basic card to register for antenatal care. One woman, already a mother of five, refused hospital care for her sixth pregnancy and tragically lost both her life and that of her child.

“Despite being educated, some women still face barriers to proper maternal care. These preventable deaths spurred the creation of Safe-Mum,” Williams said.

The Safe-Mum software is a mobile and web-based system that evaluates the risk levels of pregnant women using demographic, socioeconomic, and health data.

Users are classified into low, moderate, or high risk, with the platform providing tailored recommendations, health insurance support, stress management courses, and access to maternal care services.

Williams explained that the platform also aims to tackle mental health challenges associated with pregnancy, offering guidance on stress management, nutrition, birth preparedness, complication readiness, and postpartum depression.

“Safe-Mum is more than a digital tool; it is a maternal health ecosystem connector, guiding women from risk detection to follow-up care,” she added.

The initiative has already undergone a prototype phase, with positive feedback from nurses, midwives, and community health volunteers regarding its ease of use and accuracy in predicting maternal risk.

MamaCare is now seeking partnerships to expand testing, integrate the platform with maternal insurance schemes, and scale its reach to other regions.

Also speaking, Her Royal Highness wife of the paramount ruler (Ona) of Abaji, Queen Hauwa Kulu Ibrahim, lauded the initiative, emphasizing the importance of collaboration between traditional institutions and maternal health advocates.

“Maternal mortality remains a deadly challenge, not only in urban areas but even more so in rural communities. Initiatives like Safe-Mum give women hope, guidance, and access to proper care,” she said.

In her keynote address, Acting Director of Reforms Coordination and Service Improvement, FCTA, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, described Safe-Mum as a timely and humane innovation.

“Maternal health is not just about medical intervention; it is also about mental wellness. This platform ensures that women receive the right support and information at the right time,” she said, urging government and stakeholders to support and scale the project.

In his goodwill message, the President of the Great Achievers Initiative for Youth and Community Development (CAIYD), Dr. Hillary Akpua, also commended MamaCare for its commitment to mothers’ welfare.

“Every mother deserves quality care. Safe-Mum will bridge the gap in maternal health services, ensuring women have access to skilled care and support throughout pregnancy and childbirth,” he said.

The Safe-Mum Initiative is a step towards addressing Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, leveraging technology, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration to save lives and promote maternal well-being.