Excessive bleeding after child birth known as Postpartum haemorrhage (PPH) has been identified as the leading cause of maternal death world wide.
A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology College of Health Sciences Aminu Kano teaching hospital Professor Hadiza Galadanci made the disclosure during a symposium on the celebration of safe motherhood day 2024.
According to her, fourteen thousand women develop PPH after birth,four hundred and eighty mothers died from PPH between 2003-09,while 99% deaths occur in low and lower middle income countries.
Professor Hadiza who doubles as the Director Africa Center of Excellence for Population Health and Policy Bayero university Kano pointed out that, PPH continues to be a problem due to missed or delayed diagnosis,missed or delayed treatment and missed or delayed escalation of refractory PPH.
She noted that, the latest E-MOTIVE intervention which includes early detection,message of uterus, oxytocic drug, tranexamic acid, IV fluids, examination of the genital tract and escalation has resulted in 60% reduction of maternal deaths.
“Postpartum haemorrhage PPH is commonly defined as a blood loss of 500 ml or more within 24 hours after birth”
The health specialist maternal new born and child health UNICEF field office Kano, Saudat Abdullahi Bashir said maternal death is an issue of great concern that needs to work hard and strategy to reduce the scourge.
She emphasized the need for traditional and religious leaders,civil society organizations (CSOs), Community based organizations CBOs and all relevant stakeholders to synergize and work together bring an intervention that would mitigate the problem.
Representative of traditional institutions Falakin Bichi Alhaji Abba Wada Waziri urged the five Emirate council health committees in the state to access the condition of healthcare facilities in the rural areas for appropriate intervention.
The state commissioner of health Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf explained that the ministry is doing everything within it’s powers in collaboration with development partners to support hospitals to ensure pregnant women and new born Recieve adequate care.
Represented by the permanent secretary of the ministry Alhaji Musa Tanko, noted that, the present administration under the leadership of Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf has prioritized health through programs and policies aimed at ensuring women and children recieve adequate care according to global standard.
Others who spoke includes the executive secretary Kano state contributory healthcare management agency KSCHMA Dr. Rahila Mukhtar, executive secretary KHETFUND Dr. Fatima Zahradeen, and the state MCH coordinator Ramatu Jibrin.
The symposium themed:Investing in maternal health for sustainable future,was organized by Kano state ministry of health,in collaboration with UNICEF, lafiya, ACEPHAP, Adamu Gwarzo Foundation,SIDES among others.