Comrade Dauda, WARDC Advocate Greater Awareness To Prevent Unsafe Abortion Deaths

ADEOLA OGUNLADE 

The Executive Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Comrade Akeem Olalekan Dauda (AKOD), has called for stronger advocacy, public awareness and improved access to healthcare information to prevent deaths associated with unsafe abortion.

Dauda made the call yesterday at a memorial-based campaign tagged “She Was,” organised by the Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre (WARDC) at the Marriott Hotel, Ikeja, in honour of women who lost their lives due to unsafe abortion.

The programme featured a documentary series highlighting the stories of women whose lives were lost, with women, students, survivors and families from different parts of Lagos State in attendance.

A candlelight procession was later held in front of the Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, where Comrade Dauda joined participants to honour the memory of the deceased. Songs of consolation and prayers were also offered for bereaved families and survivors.

“We are going all out to advocate that no woman should die,” Comrade Dauda said, calling for greater involvement of religious leaders, traditional rulers, Community Development Associations and young people in public education.

The Council Chairman noted that many residents were unaware of available healthcare and counselling services, including those provided through Primary Health Care Centres.

“A lot of people are not aware of what the local government is doing to help. We need to strengthen advocacy and let people know where they can go for help,” he said.

Dauda stressed the need to reduce stigma and ensure that women and girls facing difficult circumstances have access to accurate information, counselling and appropriate healthcare support.

He added that the council was making efforts to improve access to healthcare services by bringing facilities closer to residents.

The Executive Director of WARDC, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, commended AKOD for supporting the campaign and lending his voice to the cause.

She said many women facing unplanned pregnancies, rape, incest and health-related complications often lacked information about where to seek help.

“Several women are dying because they do not know what to do or where to go,” she said.

Akiyode-Afolabi called for sustained collaboration among government, communities, healthcare professionals, religious and traditional leaders, and civil society organisations to prevent avoidable deaths.

The “She Was” campaign seeks to honour women who lost their lives while promoting awareness, access to information and healthcare support to prevent deaths associated with unsafe abortion.