Why maternal deaths need to be minimised in Nigeria — Survivor

Mrs Franka Okeke, a United Kingdom-based maternal health advocate has appealed to government at all levels to improve on the health care facilities to minimise maternal deaths in the country.

Okeke, while recounting her near death experience during child birth in a government hospital in Lagos, said there is urgent need for government to increase budgetary allocation to primary health facilities and make the health facilities more friendly for pregnant women.

Okeke, who noted that that problems of maternal health in Nigeria was very high, said there is urgent need for government to do something to stop needless maternal deaths in Nigeria.

“God delivered me from near death experience while giving birth. There is so much to thank God for in our lives

“I had fluid in the lung, several complications, haematoma, sepsis. Even doctors misdiagnosed my condition.

“I had preterm twin babies and I had to leave them for months, and go to LUTH and other places, looking for solution

“The doctors said it was my womb that was protruded. This led to sepsis and more complications.

“Also I had surgery and doctors were not ready to repeat another surgery, and my body was still not healed from the surgery. My blood level was very low but God saved me”, she said.

Okeke, who noted that she recently released a single track song titled ” I’m loving you Jesus” on YouTube and other digital outlets, said the song was to thank God for saving her life during childbirth.

“But God saved me and my song is a thanksgiving song to thank God who delivered me from maternal death and complications.

“The song is a dedication to all who have survived chronic situations and got blessed miraculously”, she said.

Okeke, who noted that problems of maternal health in Nigeria needed urgent attention, said her friend, who was a journalist died during a gynaecological procedure in Lagos.

According to her, the reason given for her death is because there was no blood around.

“Government need to do something to stop the needless maternal deaths in Nigeria”, she said.

” There is need to ensure proper monitoring of private hospitals because there are many with quack doctors.

“Government hospitals are also too slow and there are some conditions that are urgent.

” Government should also provide comprehensive health coverage for Nigerians, especially pregnant women so that out of pocket medical expenses can be minimised”, she said.

Okeke also said that she had published a book titled ” The Tears We Bleed’, which chronicled maternal death and fistula issues in Nigeria.

She said the book was endorsed by Society of Obstetrics and Gynaecologist of Nigeria