Target: Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria
Goal: Protect pregnant women from dangers of lacking maternal care access.
Mother’s Day is a day of celebration, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the grim challenges many mothers-to-be face around the world. One of Africa’s most prosperous nations also holds the continent’s third-highest maternal mortality rate. Every year, over 80,000 women within the country die from pregnancy or childbirth-related complications. These complications range from high blood pressure and bleeding to obstructions experienced during labor.
Distrust in the healthcare system is one major barrier. Another problem is a lack of investment in addressing labor and equipment shortages in maternity wards. Very short discharge times present an additional critical challenge.
Nigeria has a new president, and now is the time for this leader to make caring for women and the next generation a top priority. Sign the petition below to urge enhanced prenatal care nationwide.
PETITION LETTER:
Dear President Tinubu,
The African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights has received a petition regarding the critical state of prenatal care in Africa. Despite having the continent’s most stable economy, Nigeria holds the dishonor of having Africa’s third-highest maternal mortality rate. Each year, 80,000 women come into Nigeria’s maternity wards and never leave.
They arrive unconscious, in severe pain, and many times they endure serious complications like septic shock when they are placed under the care of understaffed and ill-equipped facilities. These women are giving birth to the nation’s future. As a newly crowned leader, you have the opportunity to ensure safeguarding this future is your legacy.
Please make fixing Nigeria’s broken pre-natal care system a top priority. Make the necessary investments for a better future.
Sincerely,
[Your Name Here]
Photo Credit: Estelle Umaes
