The prayer and joy of every pregnant woman is to have a smooth nine months journey and safe delivery with both mother and child intact but that has not been in some instances as cases of maternal and child mortality is reported across the country and in most developing countries.
However one man who is committed in changing this narrative of maternal and child mortality indices in his state is Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State.
Sanwo-Olu over the weekend said maternal and child mortality is so close to his heart and has vowed to do everything within his power to put an end to this twin issues in Lagos State.
The Governor, who disclosed this in Badagry while unveiling a new Maternal and Childcare Centre and the School of Anesthesia located within the premises of Badagry General Hospital, stated that Lagos State under his leadership will through consistent action and smart investments eradicate infant, under-5 mortality and women deaths that occurs while giving birth in the State.
In his words: “I am immensely proud to be here today to handover the newly constructed and equipped four-floor, 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre, and the School of Anesthetic Studies, Badagry to the people of Badagry.
“Maternal and child mortality is so close to my heart that I am ready to do everything within my personal and official capacity to put an end to it in Lagos State. In most developing countries, including Nigeria, there are disturbing maternal, newborn and child mortality indices, but under my watch, Lagos State will change the narrative”, Sanwo-Olu added.
While noting that his administration would not pay lip service to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs, Sanwo-Olu said that his administration was taking steps to ensure that residents have greater access to all they need for a peaceful and prosperous life in every sphere.
“It is incontrovertible fact that there can be no socio-economic development without healthy citizens; we all know the crucial role of women in the entrenchment of a developed and progressive society – it has, therefore, become imperative to put an end to preventable maternal and child death”, the Governor explained.
He said the fully equipped Badagry Maternal and Child Centre holds great potential for healthcare delivery, adding that it is a one-stop-centre for all reproductive issues, including family planning, gynaecology, paediatrics, immunisation, obstetrics and emergency services amongst others.
The Governor disclosed that the facility, since commencement of operation late December, 2020, had recorded 3000 out-patient clinic attendance, adding that 49 normal deliveries and 60 caesarian sections were also carried out at the centre.
He said: “With the inauguration of this Maternal and Child Centre, the people of Badagry and adjoining communities now have increased access to quality and safe healthcare, reduction or even complete eradication of maternal and infant mortality as well as general improvement in all maternal and child health indices in this local government.
“All these benefits will in turn have a positive ripple effect on the development of socio-economic indices of Badagry.”
