Medical Experts Vow To Tackle Problem Of Maternal, Child Mortality

Medical professionals operating under the aegis of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos sector have promised to combat maternal and child mortality in Lagos State.

They stated this when they paid a courtesy visit to the state’s Ministry of Health.

Led by former National President Prof. Rotimi Akinola, an elder of the Society and Chief Medical Director of Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, and SOGON Lagos Sector Chairman Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin, they said the problem would be tackled frontally.

During discussions, critical initiatives for partnership and collaboration to address maternal mortality and improve maternal and child health were deliberated upon.

The Chairman of SOGON Lagos Sector, Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin underscored the urgent need to tackle maternal mortality and enhance women’s health in Lagos and Nigeria.

He highlighted SOGON’s past initiatives such as Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Review (MPDSR) and emergency obstetrics training, emphasizing the importance of stakeholder collaboration.

Recognizing the multifaceted nature of reproductive health improvement, Gbadegesin stressed the collective responsibility of various sectors in addressing maternal health challenges.

 He advocated for legislative support to fortify efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality rates.

 Former SOGON President Prof. Rotimi Akinola emphasized the need to reignite collaboration between SOGON and Lagos State government, specifically targeting maternal mortality.

He highlighted past collaborations that led to the establishment of the MPDSR desk, aiming to identify high maternal death areas and conduct advocacy in those regions.

Expressing concerns about unsafe abortions impacting maternal health,  Akinola stressed the need for safe termination guidelines and SOGON’s active involvement in policy development related to maternal health.

In response, Health Commissioner Prof. Abayomi expressed gratitude for reigniting the partnership, emphasizing collaborative strategies to improve maternal and child health.