Across Africa, postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) remains the leading cause of maternal deaths, yet it is among the most preventable. A new Lancet Global Health commentary co-authored by Dr Uchenne Ibokwe, Chief Executive Officer of SCIDaR, calls for a decisive shift from crisis response to proactive prevention—anchoring PPH care within strong primary health systems. It emphasises that advancing maternal health depends on strengthening the full continuum of care from antenatal services and reliable uterotonics to anaemia management and continuous support from skilled midwives.
This prevention-first vision aligns with WHO’s global maternal-health priorities and Nigeria’s renewed efforts to strengthen reproductive, maternal, and newborn health under the Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative. By prioritising prevention, preparedness, and partnership, countries can reduce emergencies, protect health-system capacity, and give every woman the assurance of safe childbirth.
