Kwara govt, UNFPA champion safe motherhood, antenatal care for pregnant women
The Kwara State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has commemorated the International Day of the Midwife with a community sensitization and awareness campaign aimed at promoting safe motherhood, antenatal care attendance, and hospital delivery among pregnant women.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Abdullahi, stressed the importance of early registration for antenatal care (ANC) and consistent attendance at all scheduled clinic visits.
He emphasized that childbirth should take place in healthcare facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.
According to Dr. Abdullahi, the early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications remain vital in reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates.
He also disclosed that delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the sensitization programme to encourage regular ANC attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and adequate birth preparedness.
In her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Dr. Gloria Enueze, described midwives as critical stakeholders in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
She highlighted the significance of family planning as a safe and effective approach for couples to plan and space pregnancies, noting that proper birth spacing helps reduce health risks for both mothers and their children.
Earlier, the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, welcomed participants and urged pregnant women to make effective use of the delivery kits provided.
She also advised them to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to protect themselves from mosquito-borne diseases and maintain good health during pregnancy.
The sensitization campaign formed part of activities marking the International Day of the Midwife and underscored the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes across Kwara State.
