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  • Lagos, SOGON to reduce maternal deaths

    Lagos, SOGON to reduce maternal deaths

    The Lagos State Ministry of Health and Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos Sector have renewed their commitment to tackling maternal mortality,

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, stated this during a visit by a SOGON delegation led by former National President, Prof. Rotimi Akinola, and Lagos Sector Chairman, Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin.

    Akinola emphasised that while abortion remains a sensitive issue, its impact on maternal mortality cannot be ignored.

    “We are not campaigning for abortion on demand. What we are asking for is a safe, policy-aligned approach to situations where termination is medically necessary,” he said.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s transformative strides in maternal health

    Akinola urged the state government to provide policy  that enables healthcare providers to act safely and responsibly. “This is about saving lives, not debating morals. Maternal death from preventable causes, whether from unsafe abortion, lack of skilled care, or poor infrastructure is unacceptable. We must deploy all available mechanisms to protect our women,”  he added.

    To strengthen maternal health surveillance and accountability, both parties also discussed the need to  institutionalise the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) system.

  • SOGON seeks FG’s collaboration to curb infant mortality 

    SOGON seeks FG’s collaboration to curb infant mortality 

    The Society of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians of Nigeria (SOGON) has called on the federal government to collaborate in reducing infant mortality to its lowest possible level in Nigeria.

    The appeal was made during SOGON’s 58th Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Scientific Conference in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, themed “Quality Maternal and Child Health in a Challenging Economy.”

    SOGON president, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeme, emphasized the need for synergy between the government and medical professionals to advance maternal and child health while driving industrial progress in the country.

    He also commended the Akwa Ibom State government, particularly the Office of the First Lady, for its contributions to improving maternal and child healthcare services.

    “Reducing infant mortality, if not eradicating it entirely, is non-negotiable,” Ikpeme stated. Health is a critical index of economic growth, and the government must address this issue urgently.”

    Representing Governor Umo Eno at the event, Deputy Governor Akon Eyakenyi reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery, especially in rural areas.

    Read Also: Group tasks government to reinstate guidelines for safe abortion, launches pink movement

    Governor Eno pledged to reduce infant and maternal mortality by ensuring pregnant women and newborns receive high-quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum.

    He also lauded SOGON for choosing Akwa Ibom State as the host for its 58th AGM and assured that the government would continue to provide modern healthcare facilities to improve the well-being of residents.

    “As I speak, we have already commissioned some model health centres, equipped with modern facilities, power supply and staff quarters, while many others are at advanced stages of completion. Before the end of next year, each Local Government Area of this State will have at least, one model health centre. 

    “With these facilities at the grassroots, there will be improved access to healthcare and a substantial reduction in the rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.

    “Our goal is to align with the vision of the World Health Organization, where every pregnant woman and newborn baby receives quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and post natal period.

     We are also consciously in pursuit of goal 3.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals, of reducing maternal mortality ratio to less than seven per every 100,000 births by 2030. 

    There is no gainsaying that, with these facilities sited in the grassroots, the issue of pregnant women delivering at home, courtesy of untrained traditional bed attendants, will be largely addressed”, he said.