CSO premieres short film to raise awareness against maternal mortality

The Civil Society Organisation, Shades of Us, has premiered a short film titled ‘Ummi’ to address the critical issues of health equity, access to healthcare, and maternal health, particularly in Nigeria’s rural areas.

The premiere which was successfully held on October 5, 2024, brought together an audience of health professionals, advocates, and filmmakers.

The premiere also drew an audience of healthcare professionals, advocates, and filmmakers, aimed to spotlight the ongoing struggles women in rural communities face in accessing maternal care.

The film vividly depicts the reality of long distances to primary healthcare facilities, a barrier that frequently jeopardizes the safety of expectant mothers and their newborns.

Following the screening, attendees engaged in discussions on the impact of healthcare location on maternal outcomes in underserved regions. They stressed the urgent need for improved access to healthcare, particularly in rural settings, where long journeys to health centers continue to endanger lives.

Bitto Bryan, a broadcaster, shared his emotional reaction to the film: “Watching Ummi was heartbreaking. It made me reflect on how much people go through just to access care. This film can help draw attention to these issues, and hopefully, inspire action.”

Rashidat Sanusi, a Programme Officer, described the film as a “reality check,” reflecting both the state of Nigeria’s healthcare system and the cultural challenges that often leave women’s struggles unnoticed. She emphasized the need for collective action, not just from the government but from society as a whole, to address these challenges.

Chris Mokunye, a Film Festival Director, viewed the film as a campaign for better healthcare infrastructure. “This film highlights the lack of basic healthcare in many communities. At the very least, every village should have a primary health center to ensure access, especially in emergencies.”

The cast members also spoke about their experiences portraying characters who reflect the everyday struggles many Nigerian women face in accessing maternal care.

Ramatu Ada Ochekliye, the Founder of Shades of Us and the producer of Ummi, explained her motivation behind the film: “In places like Garkida in Adamawa, and in Sokoto and Kebbi, I saw firsthand how far women had to travel to access healthcare. It’s a reality for too many women across Nigeria.”

Ochekliye further highlighted Nigeria’s alarming maternal mortality rates, among the worst in the world, despite the country not being at war. “It’s tragic how many women die while giving life, and how many children are lost when their mothers don’t survive childbirth. Ensuring that primary health facilities are close to the people is crucial to saving lives.”

Ummi is now available for public viewing on YouTube, and the important conversations it has sparked about maternal health are expected to continue across the country.

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