Edo State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Oshiomhole, has called for stronger collaboration among government, development partners and private healthcare providers to reduce maternal and newborn deaths, saying no woman should die while giving birth.
Oshiomhole made the appeal on Thursday during the seventh anniversary celebration of Med-Vical International, where the organisation launched its Med-Vical School Health Programme and the Maternal, Small and Sick Newborn Infants Initiative (MaSSNII).
He said the administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has prioritised maternal and child healthcare by strengthening primary healthcare centres, renovating health facilities and expanding access to quality medical services across the state.
“The health of mothers and children remains the foundation of every prosperous society. When we invest in safe motherhood, we are investing in the future of our children,” Oshiomhole said. “Every maternal death is one too many.”
The commissioner recalled a maternal death that occurred after what appeared to be a successful Caesarean section at Central Hospital, Benin City, noting that the incident underscored the need for continuous improvements in healthcare delivery. He stressed the importance of proper risk assessment and preventive care for pregnant women.
Earlier, Chairman of Med-Vical International, Prof. Ehijie Enato, described Nigeria’s maternal and newborn health statistics as alarming, noting that the country records the highest number of newborn deaths in Africa and the second highest globally. He said the organisation would continue supporting government efforts through clinical services, healthcare worker training and community-based interventions.
In a keynote lecture, Professor of Paediatric Neurology and Infectious Diseases, Prof. George Akpede, said Nigeria’s biggest challenge was not the lack of innovative healthcare solutions but the failure to effectively implement proven interventions.
“The conversation should no longer be about discovering new innovations alone. We already have evidence-based interventions that can save thousands of mothers and babies if we apply them consistently,” Akpede said.
The event also featured a call for increased support from governments, development partners and private organisations for Med-Vical International’s health programmes. The ceremony concluded with the official launch of the Med-Vical School Health Programme and the Maternal, Small and Sick Newborn Infants Initiative, both aimed at improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes in Nigeria.
