Use hospitals for safer deliveries, Kwara urges pregnant women

The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality through a sensitisation campaign targeting pregnant women, with a strong emphasis on antenatal care attendance, hospital delivery and birth preparedness. The campaign was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife. This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, in Ilorin. According to the statement, 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. Addressing participants at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and remain committed to all scheduled clinic appointments throughout pregnancy. He said, “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.” He noted that many pregnancy-related complications can be successfully managed when detected early, describing prompt diagnosis and treatment as 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 stated. Abdullahi further disclosed that 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. Related News LAWMA evacuated 418,500 tonnes of waste in May – Official Foundation seeks stronger partnerships to reduce maternal mortality Tension mounts over Ogun market dumpsite evacuation delay 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,”