For many women, the simple act of giving birth becomes a risky journey, often marked by preventable complications and insufficient medical support. But the story is changing as women like Adepeju Opeyemi Jaiyeoba fight against maternal mortality in Nigeria.
Maternal mortality remains one of the most significant healthcare challenges in Africa. According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 70% of global maternal deaths occur in regions where access to quality healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth is inadequate. The lack of skilled birth attendants, unhygienic delivery conditions, and limited access to essential medical supplies heighten the risks faced by expectant mothers, often experienced in rural and underserved areas.
Jaiyeoba’s move from pain to purpose
Adepeju Jaiyeoba began her impact journey from the standpoint of pain and a personal tragic experience. After losing a close friend to childbirth complications, she became painfully aware of the trauma many African women face due to inadequate healthcare during pregnancy and childbirth. This loss catalysed her vision to bridge the gaps in maternal healthcare.
Hence, she founded the Brown Button Foundation. The initiative focuses on addressing the systemic failures contributing to the maternal and neonatal mortality crisis in Nigeria by equipping communities with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to ensure safer childbirths.
Since its inception in 2012, the Brown Button Foundation has provided creative and scalable solutions to address maternal health challenges. They provide comprehensive training for traditional and community-based birth attendants. These programmes equip them with the skills to handle routine deliveries and manage emergencies effectively. By training individuals to become skilled birth attendants, the foundation solves healthcare needs and creates sustainable livelihoods, empowering the attendants economically while promoting the community’s well-being.
One of the foundation’s epic projects is the introduction of affordable and hygienic birthing kits. These kits contain essential items, including sterile gloves, delivery mats, antiseptic wipes and soaps, and surgical blades for cutting the umbilical cord. These are designed to ensure a safe and infection-free delivery. By making these kits accessible, the foundation has significantly reduced the risk of infections and complications during childbirth.
Through her foundation, Adepeju Jaiyeoba also conducts extensive community outreach programmes to educate women on reproductive health, prenatal care, and family planning. This educational initiative enables women to make informed decisions about their health and well-being. Her organisation actively engages with policymakers, advocating for systemic reforms to improve healthcare infrastructure and prioritise maternal health in the medical industry.
Adepeju Jaiyeoba records impact
There has been a remarkable level of impact since the brand was launched. They have successfully trained over 4,000 birth attendants and manufactured and distributed over 500,000 affordable birthing supply kits to expectant mothers in more than 300 rural Nigerian communities, significantly reducing infant and maternal mortality.
Jaiyeoba’s efforts have earned her international recognition, including being named a Mandela Washington Fellow and receiving accolades from global health organisations.
