The Kwara State government on Thursday embarked on a sensitization campaign aimed at reducing maternal and newborn mortality rate in the state.
The campaign, organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife, targeted pregnant women, with emphasis on antenatal care attendance, hospital delivery and birth preparedness.
A statement in Ilorin by the Press Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, said the programme was designed to raise awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of seeking quality maternal healthcare services and ensuring that deliveries are conducted under the supervision of skilled health professionals.
Speaking during the campaign, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and remain committed to all scheduled clinic appointments throughout pregnancy.
“Early registration for antenatal care and regular attendance at all ANC visits are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby and ensuring timely medical intervention when necessary.
“Pregnant women should ensure that delivery takes place in health facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to guarantee the safety of both mother and child,” Abdullahi said.
He further stated that many pregnancy-related complications can be successfully managed when detected early, adding that prompt diagnosis and treatment are critical measures in reducing maternal and newborn deaths.
“Early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications remain key factors in reducing maternal and newborn mortality,” he said.
According to him, delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the sensitisation exercise as an incentive to encourage antenatal clinic attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and proper birth preparedness.
In her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Gloria Enueze, described midwives as indispensable partners in the drive to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
“Midwives play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Their contributions remain critical to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns,” she said.
Enueze also underscored the benefits of family planning, stressing that it provides couples with a safe and effective means of planning and spacing pregnancies.
“Appropriate birth spacing helps reduce health risks for mothers and children and contributes significantly to healthier families and communities,” she said.
Also speaking the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Sulyman Ajibola, urged participants to make effective use of the delivery kits provided during the programme, and also ensure they always sleep under the treated mosquito nets as a preventive measure against malaria and other mosquito borne diseases.
“Pregnant women should make proper use of the delivery kits distributed and regularly sleep under treated mosquito nets to protect themselves and their unborn children,” she said.
