By Ibrahim Suleiman
Health experts have called for increased public awareness and prompt medical intervention to prevent maternal deaths resulting from postpartum haemorrhage, a condition characterised by excessive bleeding after childbirth.
They made the call at a one-day sensitisation programme to mark World Postpartum Haemorrhage Day, organised by the Kwarbai Ward Development Association in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria, MWAN, at Alhuda-Huda College, Zaria.
Chairperson, Maternal and Child Health Committee of MWAN, Dr Fatima Abdullahi, attributed some maternal deaths to failure to follow established emergency obstetric protocols.
She stressed the need for community awareness and timely access to appropriate medical care to prevent avoidable deaths.
Also Speaking, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist, Dr Shafa’atu Sada, said postpartum haemorrhage poses a serious threat to maternal health, urging pregnant women to register early for antenatal care and make adequate preparations for childbirth.
Similarly, the Head of Labour Ward at Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, ABUTH, Shika, Dr Fatima Aminu Mahmud, appealed to husbands to encourage their wives to attend antenatal clinics regularly.
She explained that early antenatal attendance helps identify potential complications, while emphasizing the importance of ensuring blood availability for emergencies during childbirth.
The Ameerah of Al-Manar Women’s Association, Hajiya Rabi Umar Sodangi, said the campaign aligned with her organisation’s advocacy for regular antenatal attendance and hospital delivery.
Earlier, Chairman of Kwarbai Ward Development Association, Malam Ahmad Haruna Lemu, said the programme was designed to educate the public on preventive measures against postpartum haemorrhage.
Radio Nigeria reports that the organisers called for collective efforts to protect mothers and reduce preventable maternal deaths.
Editing by Khadija Kubau
