THE Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Health, has partnered with officials of the Society of Gynecology and Obstetrics Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos sector, in a significant stride towards combatting maternal and child mortality in Lagos State,
The Group recently paid a courtesy visit to the 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, and they were warmly received by the State Health Commissioner, Prof Akin Abayomi and the Special Adviser on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi.
During discussions, critical initiatives for partnership and collaboration to address maternal mortality and improve maternal and child health were deliberated upon.
Prof. Gbadegesin stated 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, emphasising the importance of stakeholder collaboration.
Recognising the multifaceted nature of reproductive health improvement, Prof. 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.
On his part, the former SOGON President, Prof. Rotimi Akinola, emphasised reigniting collaboration between SOGON and the 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, Prof. Akinola stressed the need for safe termination guidelines and SOGON’s active involvement in policy development related to maternal health.
In response, the Lagos State Health Commissioner, Prof. Abayomi, expressed gratitude for reigniting the partnership, emphasising collaborative strategies to improve maternal and child health. He called for precise data classification and an efficient referral system from Traditional Birth Attendants to Primary Healthcare Centres and higher levels of care, seeking SOGON’s support in empowering healthcare practitioners.
The Commissioner addressed the sensitive topic of safe abortion guidelines, proposing a thorough review and stakeholder engagement to determine the best approach.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, highlighted the urgency to tackle maternal mortality, stressing the need for collaboration between the Government and professional bodies like SOGON, as well as the importance of retraining and supporting healthcare professionals.
CMD of LASUTH, Prof Adetokunbo Fabamwo, commended SOGON’s contribution to maternal health improvement and called for revitalising quarterly MPDSR meetings.
Also in attendance at the meeting were the Medical Director of Lagos Island Maternity Hospital, Dr Femi Omololu; Vice Chairman of SOGON Lagos Sector, Dr Yusuf Oshodi; Immediate Past Chairman, SOGON Lagos, Dr Akinde Joseph; and Secretary of the Society, Dr Modupe Adedeji.
