Mohammed Pate, Health Minister
FG launches guidelines to enhance safe motherhood in Nigeria
In commemoration of Safe Motherhood Day, the Federal Government has rolled out comprehensive guidelines to improve maternal and newborn health nationwide, targeting millions of pregnant women and newborns annually.
Coordinated by the Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Prof Muhammad Ali Pate, the launch event in Abuja unveiled two critical documents: the Labour Care Guide and the Guidelines for Community Use of Misoprostol.
“These guidelines underscore our commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of pregnant women and newborns in Nigeria.
“The Labour Care Guide and Guidelines for Community Use of Misoprostol are integral components of the National Safe Motherhood Day initiative, which aims to raise awareness and promote effective maternal and newborn health strategies,” the minister stated.
Prof Pate emphasized the government’s determination to achieve safe motherhood by providing comprehensive maternal and newborn services, including antenatal care, skilled delivery, and postnatal care.
He stressed the importance of integrating these services into the healthcare delivery system to reduce maternal mortality and morbidity rates.
He noted that this year’s Safe Motherhood Day theme, “Investing in maternal health for a sustainable future,” highlights the significance of prioritizing maternal health to ensure the well-being of future generations.
He added: “This administration has prioritized healthcare as a critical agenda, unveiling initiatives such as the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal Investment Initiative.
“This initiative, launched in collaboration with state governments and development partners, aims to improve population health outcomes through sector-wide reforms.
“In line with these efforts, we have allocated significant funding through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund and the National Health Insurance Authority to enhance access to quality maternal care and emergency obstetric services.
“The goal is to reach millions of pregnant women and newborns annually, ensuring that no woman is left behind in accessing essential healthcare services.
“In addition to launching guidelines, the government introduced calibrated drapes as an effective tool to reduce postpartum haemorrhage during childbirth.
“This innovation, integrated into maternal health protocols, will enable healthcare providers to monitor and manage haemorrhages more effectively, ultimately saving lives.
“While Nigeria grapples with one of the highest maternal mortality ratios globally, the launch of these guidelines is a step towards addressing preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related complications.
“With a focus on improving access to quality maternal and newborn care, particularly among underserved populations, we aim to achieve safer and healthier outcomes for mothers and their children across the nation.”
Recall that the minister recently announced Nigeria’s ambitious plan to provide quality and affordable healthcare services to 100 million citizens.
”The initiative is supported by the World Bank’s renewed commitment to expand healthcare access for 1.5 billion people globally by 2030,” Pate noted.
The minister emphasized the importance of backing this plan with technical expertise and financial resources, particularly given Nigeria’s significant shortfall in public health funding.