The Kwara State Government has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and newborn mortality through a sensitisation campaign targeting pregnant women, with a strong emphasis on antenatal care attendance, hospital delivery and birth preparedness.

The campaign was organised by the Kwara State Ministry of Health in collaboration with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to commemorate the International Day of the Midwife.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday by the Press Secretary of the Kwara State Ministry of Health, Saad Hamdalat, in Ilorin.

According to the statement, the programme was designed to raise awareness among expectant mothers on the importance of seeking quality maternal healthcare services and ensuring that deliveries are conducted under the supervision of skilled health professionals.

Addressing participants at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr Taoheed Abdullahi, urged pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and remain committed to all scheduled clinic appointments throughout pregnancy.

He said, "Early registration for antenatal care and regular attendance at all ANC visits are essential for monitoring the health of both mother and baby and ensuring timely medical intervention when necessary.

"Pregnant women should ensure that delivery takes place in health facilities under the supervision of skilled birth attendants to guarantee the safety of both mother and child."

He noted that many pregnancy-related complications can be successfully managed when detected early, describing prompt diagnosis and treatment as critical measures in reducing maternal and newborn deaths.

"Early detection and management of pregnancy-related complications remain key factors in reducing maternal and newborn mortality," he stated.

Abdullahi further disclosed that delivery kits were distributed to pregnant women during the sensitisation exercise as an incentive to encourage antenatal clinic attendance, skilled birth attendance, hospital delivery, and proper birth preparedness.

In her goodwill message, the UNFPA Focal Person, Gloria Enueze, described midwives as indispensable partners in the drive to improve maternal and child health outcomes.

"Midwives play a vital role in ensuring safe pregnancy, childbirth, and postnatal care. Their contributions remain critical to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns," Enueze stated.

She also highlighted the benefits of family planning, noting that it provides couples with a safe and effective means of planning and spacing pregnancies.

"Appropriate birth spacing helps reduce health risks for mothers and children and contributes significantly to healthier families and communities," she stated.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Head of Department of Health, Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hajia Sulyman Ajibola, encouraged participants to make effective use of the delivery kits provided during the programme.

Ajibola also advised pregnant women to consistently sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets as a preventive measure against malaria and other mosquito-borne diseases.

"Pregnant women should make proper use of the delivery kits distributed and regularly sleep under treated mosquito nets to protect themselves and their unborn children," she stated.

The organisers noted that the sensitisation campaign formed part of activities marking the International Day of the Midwife, underscoring the commitment of the Kwara State Government and its partners to strengthening maternal healthcare services and improving health outcomes for women and children across the state.

The International Day of the Midwife is observed every year on May 5 to recognise and celebrate the vital role midwives play in ensuring the health and wellbeing of mothers and newborns.

Established in 1992 by the International Confederation of Midwives, the annual event also raises awareness about the need for increased investment in midwifery services to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes worldwide.