By Ayo Onikoyi

As the world celebrates World Maternity Day, Victory Medical Centre has marked the occasion by highlighting the need for improved primary healthcare services to reduce maternal deaths in Nigeria.

The centre, located in Ibadan, Oyo State, recently celebrated its 26th anniversary of delivering medical services to the community.

In a lecture delivered by Dr. Olufemi Morawo, the resident medical officer of the hospital, he emphasized the need for the government to checkmate rising maternal deaths in Nigeria.

Dr. Morawo noted that despite Nigeria’s population and economic strength, the country ranks low in primary healthcare, leading to a high rate of maternal deaths.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Nigeria accounts for nearly 20% of all global maternal deaths, with an estimated 800 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births in 2015.

Dr. Morawo identified the primary causes of maternal mortality in Nigeria as bleeding, obstructed labor, hypertensive disorders, infections, and unsafe abortions.

He emphasized that addressing these causes requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the root causes and structural barriers to maternal health.

Dr. Morawo recommended that the government invest in upgrading healthcare facilities, training and retraining skilled healthcare workers, improving antenatal and postnatal care, and expanding access to family planning and contraceptives.

He also stressed the need for the government to prioritize maternal health in its national health agenda by increasing budgetary allocation for maternal and child health programs.

Additionally, Dr. Morawo called for the establishment of reliable emergency transportation systems, addressing socio-economic barriers, and promoting public awareness campaigns on maternal health.

The lecture was part of the centre’s celebration of World Maternity Day, which aimed to raise awareness about the importance of maternal healthcare.

Participants at the occasion included staff of the hospital, nursing mothers, pregnant women, community leaders, and residents of the host community.

Dr. Morawo emphasised that reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria requires coordinated efforts from the government, healthcare professionals, and communities.

Victory Medical Centre has pledged to continue providing top-tier preventive, curative, obstetric, and surgical care to all patients, as well as laboratory diagnostics, obstetric ultrasounds, and pharmacy services at affordable rates.