Gender Equality Nigeria Project #41711

Improving maternal/new born health in Cross River

by Greater Hands Foundation

Summary

The occurrence of high maternal and new born mortality ratio is evidenced in Cross River State, Nigeria. This project will continue to conduct sensitization campaigns involving the stakeholders to increase demand for timely utilization of quality Maternal and Neonatal Health/Family Planning services (MNH/FP), improve the capacity of existing community structures for increased uptake of MNH and FP services, and facilitate access to timely and quality MNH/FP Services ( Emergency Transport System)

$0
total raised

0
donors

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monthly donors

4
years

Challenge

Cross River State has one of the highest maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Nigeria with a Maternal Mortality Ratio of 2000 /100,000 live births, and infant mortality rate of 120 /1000 live births. This is attributed to poor antenatal, intra-natal and postnatal practices, poverty, negative attitude of health care providers, perceived poor quality of care at facilities, transport costs etc. This project will contribute to 15 % and 10% reductions in maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

Solution

Strategies such as community mobilization, behavior change communication and advocacy to increase demand for uptake of integrated reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) services at health facilities will be applied. Stakeholders influencing the target project beneficiaries will be targeted and sensitized. We will strengthen the effective community driven transportation system to improve timely access to quality MNH services, Improve capacity of existing community structures.

Long-Term Impact

This project will lead to a reduction in maternal and newborn mortality ratios, strengthen community action and involve all stakeholders. We hope to build the capacity of 320 Community Volunteers, 200 Traditional Birth Attendants, 100 Health facility staff members, 500 Emergency Transport service (ETS) operations providers, sensitize 60,000 community members, refer 10,000 pregnant women for Ante Natal Care services, and 20000 women and young girls access family planning services in the state.