Scaling Maternal Healthcare in Nigeria: A Collaborative Effort

The Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria have partnered to train over 220 resident doctors and 140 consultants in advanced obstetric skills, aiming to improve emergency care for pregnant women nationwide. The program's success has led to its integration into Nigeria's medical curriculum, with a focus on tackling the country's maternal health crisis. The stakeholders emphasize the importance of sustaining the gains and ensuring every medical worker interacts with pregnant women receives this training.

Key Takeaways:

• The Global Health Workforce Programme (GHWP) Local Grant 130 has strengthened emergency obstetric, newborn care, and surgical skills training for resident doctors nationwide, with a focus on tackling Nigeria's maternal health crisis.
• The program has trained over 220 resident doctors and 140 consultants in advanced obstetric skills, equipping them with life-saving techniques.
• The training has been successfully integrated into Nigeria's medical curriculum, with the aim of reducing preventable maternal deaths.
• The program's hands-on approach includes practicing on mannequins before working with live patients.
• The training has been undertaken in all six geopolitical zones across Nigeria.
• Professor Sanusi Ibrahim from the University of Maiduguri Teaching Hospital highlighted regional disparities, noting that maternal mortality remains alarmingly high in Northern Nigeria.
• Continued funding, nationwide scaling, and stronger policy enforcement are required to ensure lasting improvements in maternal healthcare.
• Founder and President of Wellbeing Foundation Africa, Mrs Toyin Saraki, emphasized the program's role in tackling Nigeria's maternal health crisis, stating, "When we saw the impact of this training in Kwara State, reducing mortality and birth injuries, it became our dream to scale it nationally."
• Chairman of the Faculty of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Professor Ayodeji Oluwole, quoted, "In five years, we expect a dramatic drop in preventable maternal deaths."

Statistics:

• Over 220 resident doctors and 140 consultants have been trained in advanced obstetric skills.
• Training has been undertaken in all six geopolitical zones across Nigeria.
• Maternal mortality remains alarmingly high in Northern Nigeria.
• The program aims to reduce preventable maternal deaths by 50% in five years.

Sources:

• "Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine, Wellbeing Foundation Africa, and National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria Collaborate on Healthcare Programme" (no date)
• Toyin Saraki, quoted in an interview (no date)
• Ayodeji Oluwole, quoted in an interview (no date)