40 per cent hospital deliveries worry doctors
Doctors and other health specialists have expressed worry over what they described as decreasing uptake in antenatal care, especially in Adamawa State. The health specialists said only four out of
Doctors and other health specialists have expressed worry over what they described as decreasing uptake in antenatal care, especially in Adamawa State.
The health specialists said only four out of 10 expectant mothers deliver their children in hospital, wondering why women still prefer to give birth at home when institutional care is now available for free.
The specialists made presentations during a ceremony in Yola yesterday as part of activities marking this year’s International Women’s Day (IWD) organised by the Adamawa State government and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef).
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According to a pediatrician and Director, Modibbo Adama University Teaching Hospital (MAUTH) Yola, Dr Mainasara Bakari, from conception to delivery at MAUTH, services for expectant mothers, including C & S, are free, courtesy of an intervention program by TETFund.
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She advised women to take advantage of such opportunities, embrace institutional care, and avoid complications inherent in-home childbirths.
A Health Officer with Unicef, Dr Oluseyi Olosunde, who also presented a paper at the ceremony attended by women and adolescent girls, expressed worry that decreasing antenatal care would lead to increasing maternal mortality.
Earlier, the Regional Head of UNICEF, Bauchi Field Office (for Adamawa, Taraba, Gombe, Plateau and Bauchi states), Dr Nuzhat Rafiqu, urged the authorities and intervention agencies to give some priority to adolescent girls when addressing maternal health so that long-run prevention of complications can be maximised.
All the resource persons made a case for increased investments in women and adolescent health by governments and relevant agencies to boost maternal and adolescent girls’ health
