High maternal mortality rate traceable to inadequate infrastructure, corruption – Don
By Adebayo Olodan
The high rate of death among pregnant women in the country has been blamed on inadequate infrastructure, systemic corruption and inconsistent policies from the government.
A Professor of medicine, Abiodun Aboyeji, stated this while delivering his lecture during the induction of Lion Adeoti Oluwaseyi as the 32nd President of Ilorin Central Lions Club, recently.
Prof. Abiodun, who is the Medical Director of Royal Clinic and Maternity Home, Gaa-Akanbi, Ilorin, the Kwara State capital said 99 per cent of deaths from pregnancy are recorded in rural areas.
Speaking further, he said, “The rate of death of pregnant women in the world especially in developing countries is alarming. Every two minutes at least one pregnant woman in the last 28 years, while 830 pregnant women suffer maternal death globally every two minutes.
“Nigeria is ranked fourth country with the worst maternal mortality rate ahead of Sierra Leone, Central African Republic and Chad.
“Also, most deaths occur from heavy bleeding after birth and 66 per cent of death of pregnant women take place in rural areas,” he said.
Speaking further, the Don said Nigeria still rank highest among sub-Saharan African nations with high maternal deaths.
Aboyeji, however, urged government at all levels to prioritise healthcare services and to also provide infrastructure, especially in rural areas.
“In addition, the government must consistently sensitise the public on maternal death in the print and electronic media.
“Also, I will enjoin members of the public to subscribe to the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which makes health highly affordable for everyone,” the Don stated.
In her remarks, the Governor of District 40432, Lion Dupe Dada, charged the Ilorin Central President to be committed and impart positively on the less privileged in the society.
In his acceptance speech, the President, Lion Adeoti promised to serve diligently and to take the club to greater heights during his term in office.
Highlights of the event included awards presentation, auction sales and fund raising.
Present at the event were the Special Adviser to Kwara State Governor on Agriculture and Rural Water Services, Hon Anu Ibiwoye, retired permanent secretary, Elder Ayobola Samuel, Proprietor of O.FM and pioneer president of the club, Chief Kunle Osisanya and Olusin of Iji Isin, Oba Babatunde Aboyeji.
