Enhancing Maternal and Child Health at Idunmwugha PHC – A Beacon of Hope in Edo State
Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria: A National Challenge
Maternal, newborn, and child mortality is one of the biggest global public health issues especially in low- and middle-income countries where 94% of maternal deaths and 95% of under-five deaths occur (World Health Organisation [WHO], 2020). Reducing the maternal mortality ratio (MMR) to less than 70 per 100,000 live births and under-five mortality rate (U5MR) to less than 25 per 1,000 live births by 2030 are two of the goals that the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set (WHO, 2015). Sub-Saharan Africa, which accounts for more than two-thirds of global maternal deaths, faces obstacles that include a lack of health infrastructure, inadequately trained medical staff and social disparities (WHO, 2020).
In Nigeria, these global challenges are aggravated by health system shortcomings and regional inequity. The 2023-2024 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) gives a U5MR estimate of 110 per 1,000 live births in Nigeria, well over the SDG target of 70 (National Population Commission [NPC] & ICF, 2024). While no MMR estimates from the 2023-2024 NDHS were reported, the credible recent World Bank information suggests that Nigeria's MMR was 993 per 100,000 live births in 2023, among the highest in the world, mainly due to poor access to skilled birth attendants (SBAs), inadequate emergency obstetric care, and socio-economic impediments (World Bank, 2025). These statistics reflect systemic issues: limited access to quality healthcare, inadequate infrastructure, and a shortage of essential medicines and trained personnel, particularly in rural areas.
In Edo State, these national challenges manifest acutely. With a population of over 4 million, the state’s rural communities, like those in Uhunmwode Local Government Area (LGA), often rely on under-resourced primary healthcare centres (PHCs) as their first point of contact. Before interventions like the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s Adopt-A-Healthcare-Facility Programme (ADHFP), facilities such as Idunmwugha Primary Health Clinic in Umagbae South faced dilapidated infrastructure, stockouts of vaccines and antimalarials, and low community trust, exacerbating poor maternal and child health outcomes.
The Transformation of Idunmwugha PHC: A Local Success Story
Nestled in the verdant landscapes of Umagbae South, Idunmwugha PHC has long been a vital lifeline for its community. Yet, prior to 2024, its capacity to address maternal and child health needs was severely limited. Mothers like Eseosa, a 28-year-old farmer, recall traveling hours to urban centers for antenatal care (ANC) or childbirth, risking complications due to distance and cost. “We lost friends to childbirth because the clinic couldn’t help,” she says, echoing a common sentiment.
Since its adoption under the ADHFP in 2024, Idunmwugha PHC has undergone a remarkable transformation, emerging as a cornerstone of maternal and child health in Edo State. Supported by the Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation, this initiative has revitalized the facility, aligning it with Nigeria’s broader goal of achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3.1 and 3.2—reducing maternal mortality and ending preventable deaths of children under 5 by 2030.
A Surge in Maternal Health Services
The data from Idunmwugha PHC tells a compelling story of progress. In January 2024, the facility recorded just 4 ANC first visits and 4 deliveries, reflecting limited uptake and capacity. By October 2024, ANC first visits had risen to 6, peaking at an impressive 52 in November—an over 1,200% increase. Deliveries, though still modest, grew to 3 per month by October and December, signaling a shift toward facility-based births. This uptick is no accident; it stems from ADHFP’s multifaceted interventions.
The Foundation renovated the PHC’s maternity ward, equipping it with delivery beds, sterilization units, and emergency supplies. This has necessitated the posting of skilled birth attendants to the facility. “Before ADHFP, we had no delivery kits or running water,” says Nurse Grace, a staff member. “Now, we can handle births and emergencies confidently.” Community outreach, with 4 events recorded in October and December 2024, further raised awareness, encouraging pregnant women to seek care early. Essential medicines, consistently available (“Yes” in HMIS reports), ensured no stockouts disrupted these services.
Revolutionizing Child Health Through Immunization
Child health outcomes at Idunmwugha PHC have seen an even more dramatic leap, particularly in immunization—a cornerstone of preventing under-5 mortality. In January 2024, 35 children aged 0-9 months were fully immunized, a respectable but modest figure. By October, this number skyrocketed to 236, dropping slightly to 25 in December before rebounding to 213 in January 2025. This surge reflects a robust immunization program bolstered by ADHFP’s support.
Detailed records from October 2024 reveal the depth of this achievement: 35 children received BCG at birth, 40 got Penta1, OPV1, PCV1, and Rota1, and 36-38 completed the Penta3 series, with 28 receiving Measles, Yellow Fever, and Meningitis vaccines at 9 months. Vitamin A supplementation reached 33 children at 6 months, fortifying their immunity. These numbers align with WHO recommendations for full immunization coverage (WHO, 2023), protecting against diseases like diphtheria, pertussis, and pneumonia—major killers in Nigeria.
ADHFP’s role was pivotal. The Foundation supplied cold chain equipment, ensuring vaccines remained potent, and provided logistics for vaccine delivery from state stores to this rural PHC. Training for vaccinators improved administration and record-keeping, while community mobilization—evidenced by 4 outreach events in November—brought parents like Osas, a local trader, to the facility. “My son got all his shots here,” he says. “I didn’t know how important it was until the health workers explained it.”
Tackling Malaria: A Silent Threat
Malaria, a leading cause of child mortality in Nigeria (NDHS, 2018), has also come under control at Idunmwugha PHC. In October 2024, 38 children under 5 were tested for malaria, all 38-testing positive received treatment—a 100% linkage rate. This contrasts with earlier months, where testing was sporadic (e.g., 15 tested in January). The availability of antimalarial commodities, reported consistently, and the absence of stockouts (except a minor anomaly in December) ensured timely intervention. ADHFP’s procurement support and supply chain enhancements made this possible, reducing the burden of this preventable disease.
Zero Mortality: A Milestone or a Question?
Notably, Idunmwugha PHC reported zero infants, under-5, and maternal deaths throughout 2024 and into January 2025. While this could signal exceptional care quality—bolstered by ADHFP’s investments—it may also suggest underreporting, given Nigeria’s high baseline rates. The low delivery numbers (maxing at 4 per month) imply that complex cases are referred out, a practice supported by the facility’s 4 supervisory visits in October, ensuring linkage to higher care levels. This highlights a dual impact: ADHFP has strengthened primary care while reinforcing referral systems.
The Foundation’s Role: A Catalyst for Change
The Aig-Imoukhuede Foundation’s ADHFP has been the driving force behind Idunmwugha PHC’s transformation. Beyond infrastructure upgrades - renovating wards, installing solar power, and improving water access - the Foundation tackled systemic gaps. They partnered with the Private Sector Health Alliance of Nigeria (PSHAN), Edo State’s Ministry of Health and the State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA) to align efforts with the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) guidelines, ensuring sustainability. Funding for essential medicines and vaccines bridged supply chain gaps, while training empowered staff to deliver evidence-based care.
Community engagement was equally critical. Ward Development Committee meetings, held monthly, fostered local ownership, while Integrated Support Supervisory Visits (ISSVs) - 4 in October—provided oversight and mentorship. “The Foundation didn’t just give us things; they showed us how to use them,” says Dr. Osagie, a supervising officer. This holistic approach has turned Idunmwugha PHC into a model for rural healthcare in Edo State.
Broader Implications for Edo State and Beyond
Idunmwugha PHC’s success is a microcosm of what’s possible in Edo State, where only 36% of women deliver in health facilities (NDHS, 2018). With general attendance rising from 368 in January 2024 to 399 in October, and family planning acceptors peaking at 203 in December, the facility is meeting diverse needs. Its consistent HMIS data transmission ensures accountability, feeding into state and national health planning.
For Eseosa, Osas, and countless others, Idunmwugha PHC is no longer a last resort but a first choice. “My daughter was born here, and she’s healthy,” Eseosa beams. “I don’t have to leave my village anymore.” This story of hope, grounded in data and driven by ADHFP, offers a blueprint for scaling maternal and child health improvements across Nigeria—proving that with vision and investment, even the most underserved communities can thrive.
References
National Population Commission [NPC] & ICF. (2019). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2018. NPC and ICF.
National Population Commission [NPC] & ICF. (2024). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2023–2024. NPC and ICF.
World Health Organization (WHO). (2023). “Immunization Coverage.” Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/immunization-coverage
National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA). (2020). “Minimum Standards for Primary Health Care in Nigeria.”
UNICEF. (2021). “Child Mortality Estimates: Nigeria.” Retrieved from https://data.unicef.org/country/nga/