The African Perinatal Society APS has called for increased awareness and early antenatal care among pregnant women as part of efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Nigeria and other African countries.
The call was made at the Second International Congress of Ultrasound and Perinatal Medicine organised by the African Perinatal Society in collaboration with UNICEF and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
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President of the Society, Professor Aliyu Labaran Dayyabu, explained that the conference was aimed at bringing together perinatologists and other health professionals to develop practical approaches to reducing maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.
Dayyabu, a Consultant Obstetrician-Gynaecologist and lecturer at Bayero University, Kano, pointed out that, some international participants had donated medical equipment to healthcare facilities in need, while plans were underway for experts to return from August next year to provide regular three-day training for frontline healthcare workers.
He explained that nurses, midwives and doctors from primary, secondary and tertiary healthcare facilities were included in the training to ensure that improved practices reach healthcare facilities at the grassroots.
In his keynote address, a Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine from Finland, Dr. Vedran Stefanovic noted that early booking for antenatal care was one of the most effective and affordable interventions for reducing maternal deaths.
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He hinted that,many maternal deaths could be prevented if women presented themselves early at health facilities after becoming pregnant.
Stefanovic identified pre-eclampsia, HIV transmission, diabetes and complications associated with large babies among conditions that could be detected and managed through early antenatal care.
The Finnish specialist said communities should therefore be educated, particularly women in rural areas, on the importance of seeking antenatal services early.
He advocated the strengthening of rural healthcare facilities and the training of midwives to provide basic antenatal services and promptly refer high-risk pregnancies to appropriate centres.
In a goodwill message, UNICEF Health Manager, Dr Serekeberehan Seyoum, commended the African Perinatal Society for promoting excellence in maternal, fetal and neonatal health through research, training and collaboration.
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He described the theme, “Synergy in Practice: Transforming Perinatal Outcomes Through Obstetrics and Neonatal Partnerships,” as timely and apt.
He expressed confidence that the scientific presentations, hands-on training and focus on modern technologies, would strengthen healthcare systems and accelerate efforts to reduce maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality.