The Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria (AFEMSON) has renewed calls for urgent action against preterm births, describing them as a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality across the country.
Speaking virtually at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, “Harmony 2026,” in Ilorin on Monday, AFEMSON President, Prof. Jamilu Tukur, emphasised the need for evidence-based interventions nationwide.
The conference featured presentations by medical experts from Nigeria and abroad, focusing on strategies to improve maternal, fetal and newborn health outcomes.
Themed “Reducing Iatrogenic and Preventable Preterm Births in Nigeria,” the conference addressed a critical healthcare challenge and provided a platform for clinicians, researchers and policymakers to exchange practical solutions.
Tukur said the gathering offered an opportunity to discuss evidence-based strategies for preventing avoidable preterm births and improving neonatal outcomes, while advancing maternal and perinatal healthcare delivery across Nigeria.
He noted that AFEMSON remains Nigeria’s foremost professional body for fetomaternal medicine specialists and is committed to promoting maternal and perinatal health through clinical excellence, research, training and advocacy.
“Preterm birth remains a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality, and this conference provides a valuable platform for discussing evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing avoidable preterm births nationwide.
“Our central mission remains the prevention and reduction of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria,” the AFEMSON president said.
Tukur said the association had continued to shape maternal healthcare policies and practices despite persistent challenges surrounding preterm birth, newborn survival and access to quality maternal healthcare services.
He explained that conference outcomes would support ongoing advocacy efforts aimed at improving specialist training, strengthening clinical guidelines and enhancing health system support for pregnant women and newborns.
“The virtual conference format enables colleagues from across Nigeria and around the world to participate regardless of geographical location, while significantly reducing time, financial costs and logistical challenges.
“By leveraging technology to connect experts and learners on a common platform, this virtual conference advances our vision of a more inclusive, accessible, and forward-looking professional association,” he said.
Chairperson of the Local Organising Committee, Prof. Hadijat Raji, said the conference was hosted virtually from Ilorin to unite clinicians, researchers, educators, advocates and partners in fetomaternal medicine.
She said the gathering offered opportunities to share ideas, strengthen professional relationships, learn from one another and renew commitments to improving outcomes for mothers, babies and families.
Raji described the conference theme as timely and relevant, noting that it directly addressed one of the most pressing challenges confronting maternal, fetal and newborn healthcare in Nigeria.
“The theme challenges practitioners to critically examine clinical practices and ensure that every intervention is evidence-based, timely, safe, and beneficial,” she said.
She identified key subthemes as the FIGO PremPrep 5 Initiative, protocol standardisation in fetomaternal practice, and community engagement strategies aimed at improving birth preparedness and health outcomes.
“These areas underscore the fact that reducing preterm birth requires not only specialist expertise, but also effective implementation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful partnership with families and communities,” she added.
In a communiqué issued at the conference, AFEMSON announced the inauguration of a new Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Preterm Birth in Nigeria.
The association urged governments and healthcare institutions nationwide to adopt the guideline immediately to strengthen efforts aimed at reducing preventable preterm births and improving neonatal survival rates.
It recommended prioritising funding for fetomaternal services, integrating them into primary and secondary healthcare facilities, and investing in electronic medical records to support artificial intelligence and data generation.
“The new Preterm Birth Guideline should be adopted, disseminated, and implemented nationwide by the Federal and State Ministries of Health, teaching hospitals, and professional bodies.
“Hospitals should audit iatrogenic deliveries and invest in point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) equipment, as well as specialist training for obstetricians and gynaecologists, sonographers, and midwives.”
