Are placenta practices changing in Africa?

A recent report by Cognitive Market Research says the global placenta powder market is expanding rapidly, driven by growing demand for placenta-based cosmetics and dietary supplements. But across Africa, deep-rooted cultural traditions mean the organ is usually buried, not consumed. So, why are some modern African mothers breaking with tradition? Focus on Africa host Nkechi Ogbonna spoke to maternal health advocate Ruth Sally Kodam and a placenta encapsulation specialist, Mary-Nissi Lemon, to understand the placenta and the different practices to either preserve or consume it.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Bella Twine, Fana Negash and Carolyne Jotham

Senior Producers: Charles Gitonga and Priya Sippy

Technical Producer: David Kinyanjui

Editors: Rhoda Odhiambo and Maryam Abdalla