The Kwara State Ministry of Health, North Central Nigeria, in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), has commemorated the International Day of the Midwife with a community sensitisation and awareness campaign aimed at promoting antenatal care attendance and hospital delivery among pregnant women.
Speaking during the programme, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, emphasised the importance of early registration for antenatal care and consistent attendance at all scheduled ANC visits.
Dr Abdullahi noted that delivery should take place in health facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to ensure the safety of both mother and child.
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He added that early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications remain critical in reducing maternal and newborn mortality.
The Permanent Secretary also disclosed that delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the sensitisation campaign to encourage regular ANC attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and adequate birth preparedness.
Earlier in her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Dr Gloria Enueze, described midwives as key stakeholders in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.
She highlighted the importance of family planning as a safe and effective means for couples to plan and space pregnancies, noting that adequate birth spacing helps reduce health risks for both mothers and children.
In her welcome address, the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, welcomed participants and encouraged pregnant women to make proper use of the delivery kits provided.
She also advised them to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent mosquito bites and safeguard their health.
The sensitisation campaign formed part of activities marking the International Day of the Midwife and reinforced the government’s commitment to improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
