Dr. Zainab Mu’azu, a gynaecologist in the Department of Community Medicine at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, has urged pregnant women to receive tetanus vaccinations to improve maternal care and reduce mortality.
Speaking to reporters on Thursday in Bauchi, Mu’azu explained that the vaccine protects both mothers and newborns from the serious risks of tetanus and diphtheria.
She said the vaccine is recommended during every pregnancy, as it helps protect infants from illnesses like whooping cough and tetanus before they can be vaccinated and establishes protective antibodies in the mother that are transferred to the baby.
Mu’azu also encouraged families to support pregnant women emotionally and economically, noting that poverty reduction through education and empowerment is critical for maternal and child health. She advocated for free family planning services to prevent unplanned pregnancies and promote healthy child spacing.
The expert emphasized the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, improved immunization uptake, and regular antenatal care. She urged governments at all levels to strengthen maternal and child health services to promote safe motherhood and reduce maternal and infant mortality.
Mu’azu further called for free quality antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care for all pregnant women, stressing that such interventions are vital for improving health outcomes.
“Provision of medical equipment, essential drugs, and improved water, sanitation, and hygiene are essential in family health promotion,” she said. “A healthy mother means a healthy baby. Pregnant women should attend antenatal clinics early, eat balanced diets, and continue postnatal visits for at least six weeks after delivery.”
