Postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) accounts for 22% of maternal deaths in Nigeria. The Smiles for Mothers program builds on the efforts of the Nigerian government to reduce maternal mortality due to postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) in Kano, Lagos, and Niger States. The program supported the 3 states to implement costed roadmaps for the adoption and roll-out of medicines aligned with WHO recommendations on the use of uterotonics to prevent postpartum hemorrhage, including introducing a new uterotonic, heat-stable Carbetocin. The Smiles for Mothers program is committed to improving the quality of care for the prevention of PPH in public health facilities and reducing mortality due to PPH using a system-strengthening approach that covers patient literacy and community awareness, supply chain management, and service delivery. Over the two-year implementation period from 2020 to 2022, significant progress was made, and the Smiles for Mothers Playbook is a culmination of that journey.

The playbook serves as a valuable reference tool for healthcare professionals, policymakers, and stakeholders involved in maternal health initiatives. It provides guidance on the adoption and rollout of the WHO recommendations on uterotonics for the prevention of PPH, including the introduction of heat-stable Carbetocin. By following this playbook, you can navigate the implementation process more effectively. Moreover, the playbook shares the experiences, achievements, and lessons learned from the Smiles for Mothers program’s rollout of the WHO recommendations in Kano, Lagos, and Niger states, Nigeria. These insights provide valuable guidance for other regions and states seeking to make significant improvements in maternal health. The playbook also offers a framework that can be adapted to guide the adoption and rollout of other guidelines and the introduction of new products, ensuring ongoing progress in maternal healthcare.