The Kwara State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to improving maternal and child healthcare through sustained awareness campaigns and interventions aimed at reducing pregnancy-related complications and deaths.

Speaking during a sensitisation programme organised as part of activities marking the International Day of the Midwife, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health stressed the importance of regular antenatal care (ANC) attendance and timely medical attention during pregnancy.

According to him, early detection and proper management of pregnancy-related complications remain critical to reducing maternal and newborn mortality rates.

He also disclosed that delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the programme to encourage regular ANC attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and adequate birth preparedness.

Earlier in her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Dr. Gloria Enueze, described midwives as vital stakeholders in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care.

She emphasised the importance of family planning as a safe and effective means of helping couples plan and space pregnancies, noting that proper birth spacing significantly reduces health risks for both mothers and children.

In her welcome address, the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, urged pregnant women to make effective use of the delivery kits provided during the programme.

She also encouraged them to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets to prevent malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

The sensitisation campaign formed part of efforts by the Kwara State Government and development partners to promote safe motherhood and improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.

The programme also featured health education sessions for pregnant women on nutrition, personal hygiene, birth preparedness, and the importance of accessing skilled healthcare services during pregnancy and delivery.