Nigeria recorded an estimated 82,000 maternal deaths in 2020, with its maternal mortality ratio reaching 1,047 deaths per 100,000 live births — one of the highest rates globally. The figures have renewed calls for a fundamental shift in healthcare delivery, particularly in rural communities where access to skilled care remains severely limited.
Against this backdrop, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Vedran Stefanovic, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist from Finland, has called for a stronger rural healthcare system built around early antenatal registration, trained frontline workers, timely diagnosis, and effective referral networks.
Stefanovic spoke on Wednesday in Kano at the Second International Congress of Ultrasound and Perinatal Medicine. The African Perinatal Society organised the event in collaboration with the International Academy of Perinatal Medicine, Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital (AKTH), and Bayero University, Kano.
Rural communities must form the front line
The three-day congress, running from August 26 to 28, centers on the theme “Synergy in Practice: Transforming Perinatal Outcomes through Obstetric and Neonatal Partnership.”
The Finnish expert stressed that Nigeria’s maternal health crisis cannot be solved by concentrating specialist services in major cities. Instead, rural communities must become the frontline strategy to reduce deaths associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
Many life-threatening complications can be identified and managed earlier if pregnant women enter the healthcare system early. Early antenatal booking allows health workers to establish medical histories, monitor blood pressure, conduct tests, and identify…
Source link
Read Full Article by Adeola Ajakaiye at businessday.ng
Source link
