Maternal mortality: Experts warn Ogun residents against patronising quacks
In Ogun State, experts and stakeholders are ramping up efforts to combat maternal deaths linked to unsafe abortions. During a recent training session for civil society organizations (CSOs) on reproductive health and the dangers of unsafe abortions, the emphasis was placed on the importance of seeking medical care from qualified professionals instead of unlicensed practitioners.
Dr. Deborah Osisanwo, President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) in Ogun, highlighted the significance of preserving mothers’ lives and urged individuals to avoid seeking abortions from quacks. She encouraged those who lack the necessary skills to terminate pregnancies to refer cases to qualified healthcare practitioners. Osisanwo stated, “If you don’t know how to do it, please refer them to secondary facilities. We will be happy if you do that, and we are going to save the life of that mother.”
To address this issue, the state government has introduced an abridged, pocket-sized guideline called STOP, which aims to protect healthcare providers while ensuring public awareness. This initiative encourages communities to seek help from trained health professionals without fear. “A lot of people hide under quacks to terminate pregnancies,” Osisanwo noted, asserting that the CSOs would play a vital role in educating local communities about seeking proper medical care.
The Executive Director of the Trust and Support Foundation, Victoria Madukwe, addressed the prevalence of unsafe abortions in many communities, emphasizing the dire consequences, including deaths and suicides linked to societal stigma. She stressed that the training aimed to highlight the importance of utilizing health facilities for any concerns related to health or family planning rather than resorting to unreliable figures.
Madukwe also pointed out that to reduce harassment of both healthcare providers and patients, security agencies need to be familiarized with the STOP guidelines, which affirm that doctors are operating within legal bounds. Her optimism about the impact of these guidelines was clear, as she believed they could significantly lower the rates of unsafe terminations and maternal fatalities.
Dapo Wahaab, the State Chairman of the Ward Development Committee, affirmed their commitment to disseminating this crucial message to all 236 wards across the 20 local government areas. He emphasized that the information from the training would be used to sensitize community members, particularly engaging women champions as mobilizers. By empowering these local leaders, Wahaab aims to spread awareness and encourage safe reproductive health practices throughout the communities.
Overall, the training session served as an essential intervention point, equipping CSOs with the knowledge to combat unsafe abortion practices. By fostering collaboration among healthcare providers, community leaders, and local authorities, Ogun State is taking proactive measures to significantly reduce maternal deaths associated with unsafe abortions, promoting a health-seeking culture among residents. The joint efforts reflect a comprehensive approach to improving maternal health outcomes and combating the stigmatization of women’s health issues.
