Kwara State Embarks on Ambitious Plan to Enhance Newborn and Maternal Care

In a bid to significantly reduce the rate of maternal and newborn deaths, the Kwara State Government has initiated a comprehensive training program for healthcare workers. This initiative, which is being carried out in collaboration with UNICEF, aims to equip 60 primary healthcare doctors, nurses, and midwives with the necessary skills to provide top-notch emergency obstetric and newborn care. The 10-day training, which commenced on Monday, is part of a broader strategy to bolster the state's healthcare system, particularly in the area of maternal and newborn health. According to the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu, this training is a critical intervention designed to strengthen the capacity of frontline health workers. Elelu emphasized that the training offers a unique opportunity for participants to enhance their knowledge and practical skills in emergency obstetric and newborn care, under the guidance of experienced resource persons. The Director of Primary Health Care Systems, Dr. Michael Oguntoye, noted that the facilitators were carefully selected based on their competence, experience, and expertise to provide participants with high-quality practical training. Representatives of UNICEF, the World Health Organization, and the United Nations Population Fund have also reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the Kwara State Government in strengthening primary healthcare service delivery. The Lead Facilitator, Prof. Raji Laide, emphasized the need to equip frontline healthcare workers with the competencies required to effectively manage obstetric and newborn emergencies at the primary healthcare level. The training is expected to have a significant impact on the state's healthcare system, particularly in reducing avoidable referrals to tertiary hospitals and improving maternal and child health outcomes.