Tope Musowo
Lagos
Wife of the governor of Lagos state, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, has again called on expectant mothers in the state, to utilise primary health centres (PHCs) and skilled birth attendants, to reduce the incidence of maternal and infant mortality.
She gave the charge yesterday at a town hall meeting on reduction of maternal and child mortality, in Epe local government, organised by the state Ministry of Health.
Mrs. Ambode noted that the refusal by expectant mothers for various reasons to access obstetric services, was a major contributor to the maternal mortality rate in the state.
According to her, “Majority of these maternal deaths are avoidable if expectant mothers access quality reproductive health care, including skilled attendance at birth.”
She stressed that while the role of traditional birth attendants (TBAs) is acknowledged, it is important they know their limitations and ensure prompt referrals to the primary health care centres.
She appealed to all women of child-bearing age, pregnant women, as well as children under the age of five years, to avail themselves of the free services during the child health week, commencing from Monday throughout the week, by visiting the nearest primary health facility
closets to them.
The Governor’s wife, who urged women to pay attention to their nutrition during pregnancy, enlisted the support of families, religious and community groups to win the battle against the menace.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, noted that it was important for TBAs to be registered with the state government, adding that reports indicated expectant mothers still visited TBAs, who knew not what to do when complications arose.
The commissioner said that the State Government had done so much in the area of primary health-care, as the governor was very passionate about the health of the citizenry.
