Ilorin: The Kwara Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has trained 60 secondary healthcare providers on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEMONC). This initiative aims to reduce the high rate of maternal mortality across the state.

According to News Agency of Nigeria, the programme is part of the European Union’s ‘Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health (EU-SARAH)’ initiative. Prof Abiodun Adeniran, the Lead Facilitator, explained during the training in Ilorin that it was a 14-day intensive programme designed for healthcare workers from the 16 local government areas. The training is expected to address the alarming number of pregnancy-related complications globally, which result in 300,000 to 500,000 deaths annually.

Adeniran, a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, highlighted that 90% of maternal mortality occurs in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria sharing this burden. He emphasized the importance of enhancing the skills of healthcare workers to manage obstetric emergencies effectively. Adeniran also pointed out that many newborns die within 24 hours of birth due to breathing issues, infections, or jaundice, and the training aims to improve their survival rates alongside those of the mothers.

Dr Fatai Olaniyi, a Consultant Obstetrician and a co-Facilitator, noted the critical need for stakeholders to intensify efforts to reduce maternal mortality in Nigeria. He commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq’s support and recommended sustaining the initiative by equipping healthcare facilities with life-saving tools.

Dr Kafayat Kofo, the State EU-SARAH Programme Manager, stated that the training would enhance the capacity of healthcare providers assisting mothers during pregnancy and delivery. She urged participants to utilize the life-saving knowledge gained to lower the morbidity rate among pregnant women.