LAGOS, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA) – An expert in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Professor John Sotunsa, has called for a comprehensive and indigenous approach to tackle Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate.Â
Delivering the 49th inaugural lecture at Babcock University, he praised the Ondo State government’s Abiye Initiative as a successful model that reduced maternal mortality by addressing delays in seeking care and harmonizing healthcare efforts.
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Professor Sotunsa emphasized the need to eliminate all causes of maternal death, highlighting the importance of improving primary healthcare accessibility, availability, affordability, and quality.
He recommended social support networks, insurance schemes, mentorship, communication, and documentation to reduce maternal mortality.
According to him, adequate social support can reduce premature deaths by 26% and improve overall health outcomes.
He urged the government and private organizations to prioritize holistic approaches to stem Nigeria’s high maternal mortality rate, emphasizing that “what we have, know, and do can prevent majority of maternal deaths in Nigeria.”