Nigeria's maternal mortality and morbidity continues to be a public health
concern. It calls for immediate attention and interdisciplinary collaboration by all
stakeholders in Nigeria's health sector to change current outcomes of women
when they are giving birth. But beyond actors in the health sector, contribution of
other professionals such as artists and creatives in amplifying not only the
advocacy messages but contributing to managing patients to recovery is
important.
Juxtaposing arts and medicine seem unlikely at first glance. But for the complex
human system to stay healthy, there is an interplay of physical and psychological
processes. The popular definition of health by the World Health Organization
buttresses this fact because it looks at health from a holistic point of view,
including a wellbeing component, and not just the mere absence of disease or
other infirmities.
This flagship Nigeria Health Watch convening where health meets art will enable
vivid portrayal of critical maternal health issues through the lens of the creative
photography and paintings