From Paul Osuyi, Asaba
Stakeholders in the reproductive health sector have again reminded pregnant women of the need to seek ante-natal services from professional healthcare providers.
They urged the expectant mothers to ensure the presence of skilled birth attendants during delivery, noting that complications could occur anytime in the process.
They gave advice in Asaba, Delta State during a one-day Reproductive Health Stakeholders Dialogue on the Strategies and Reforms to Finally End Preventable Maternal Mortality and Improving Maternal Health Capacity.
The event was part of activities to mark this year’s Safe Motherhood Day.
Permanent Secretary at the state Ministry of Health, Dr Philomena Okeowo assured that the state government was committed to ensuring women of reproductive age and children have access to free and quality health services in the state.
Okeowo also reaffirmed the commitment of the state government to promoting safe motherhood.
She however said reducing maternal deaths required a collaborative effort from the government, healthcare providers, civil society organizations, and individuals, noting that all stakeholders must take responsibility to ensure that every woman had access to quality healthcare services.
“By so doing, we can prevent needless deaths and disabilities and improve the health and well-being of women and children.
“In Delta State Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response Report 2019 – 2020, Delta State maternal mortality rate is 189/100,000 live birth in 2020,” she disclosed.
The Permanent Secretary described the figures as unacceptable, saying that they underscored the need for the state to prioritize safe motherhood practices like quality ante-natal care, and family planning which are pillars of the safe motherhood initiative.
While stating that ante-natal care services were very important in ensuring the safety of mother and child, Dr Okeowo noted that the services were also critical in detecting and addressing any potential health risk that might arise during pregnancy.
She disclosed that through regular check-ups, healthcare providers could identify potential complications and provide necessary interventions to ensure that a mother has a positive pregnancy experience with minimal complications.
According to her, “Family planning services are also crucial in promoting safe motherhood. It has numerous benefits for women, children, families and the society as a whole, including reducing unintended pregnancies, empowering women, promoting economic development, and promoting gender equality.”
She stressed the need for everyone, including the government, healthcare providers, and individuals, to prioritize family planning and work towards ensuring that every woman got access to different family planning options.
“Women are able to participate in the labour force, pursue education and training, and contribute to the economic growth of their families and communities,” she added.
Okeowo noted that the presence of skilled birth attendants during delivery was critical to ensuring safe motherhood, adding “During childbirth, complications can arise unexpectedly, and without proper management, these complications can lead to maternal and neo-natal mortality.”
In his keynote address, Dr Paul Okubor of the state Hospital Management Board (HMB) listed basic principles of safe motherhood to include family planning, obstetric care/newborn care, PNC and post-abortion care.
To address maternal mortality, Dr Okubor said healthcare providers must remove barriers to access to healthcare and nutrition at every stage of life of a woman from the conception of the girl-child.
In his remarks, Mr Daniel Zibe of Marie-Stopes, a partner in the reproductive health sector, said they had covered 56 facilities in Delta State where consumables for family planning were supplied.
Zibe assured that Marie-Stopes would continue to supply consumables for support.