By Khadijah Aliyu
The Kano state Private Health Institutions Management Agency (PHIMA),has convened a strategic meeting with health stakeholders to strengthen the reporting of maternal and perinatal deaths and improve surveillance across the state.
The meeting focused on integrating private health facilities into the state’s Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) reporting network to ensure timely notification, accurate documentation and effective monitoring of maternal and newborn deaths.
Speaking on the objectives of the meeting, PHIMA’s Monitoring and Evaluation Officer, Alhaji Shafi’u, said the engagement was designed to address gaps in mortality reporting, harmonise reporting channels and strengthen coordination between the agency, the State Ministry of Health and private health facilities.
He also highlighted the need for effective deployment of monitoring and evaluation tools, improved data quality and clear reporting procedures to ensure timely notification and documentation of maternal and perinatal deaths in private healthcare facilities.
In a presentation on integrating private health facilities into the state’s MPCDSR reporting network, Dr. Salisu emphasised the importance of incorporating the private healthcare sector into the state’s surveillance framework.
He explained that broader participation by private health facilities would promote comprehensive data collection, timely reporting and effective monitoring of maternal and perinatal deaths.
The presentation also highlighted the need for stronger collaboration among PHIMA, the State Ministry of Health, monitoring and evaluation officers and private health facilities to improve the accuracy, completeness and timely utilisation of health data for evidence-based decision-making.
Participants discussed strategies for deploying monitoring and evaluation officers to support private health facilities in conducting data audits, improving reporting practices and strengthening quality assurance.
They also emphasised the need to establish real-time notification channels for maternal and perinatal deaths and ensure compliance with relevant government reporting requirements.
In her closing remarks, the Acting Director-General of PHIMA, Hajiya Khadijah Sa’id, commended participants for their contributions and active engagement.
She stressed that accurate and timely reporting of maternal and perinatal deaths was essential for identifying weaknesses in healthcare delivery, guiding appropriate interventions and preventing avoidable deaths.
Khadijah urged stakeholders to ensure that private health facilities fulfil their reporting obligations and contribute to improving maternal and newborn health outcomes.
The meeting ended with a commitment by stakeholders to strengthen coordination, improve reporting mechanisms and ensure the effective integration of private health facilities into the state’s MPCDSR reporting network.
The initiative is part of PHIMA’s efforts to improve healthcare standards, strengthen health information management and support the Kano State Government’s drive to reduce preventable maternal and perinatal deaths.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
