Lagos State Health District One (LSHD1) on Monday launched an intensive clinical immersion programme aimed at fixing weak referral links blamed for preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
Dr Sola Pitan, Permanent Secretary of LSHD1, said the initiative focuses on timely referrals and better care coordination between Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and secondary hospitals.
“Prompt referrals for pregnant women with complications will significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths when the need arises,” Pitan said during training at Orile Agege General Hospital.
He explained that the programme would equip PHC workers to identify danger signs early, understand their limits, and refer patients promptly for specialised care.
According to a report by the World Health Organization, 700 women died daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes in 2023, with deaths occurring almost every two minutes.
“Nigeria ranks among countries with the highest maternal mortality globally,” Pitan said, stressing the urgency of strengthening referral systems.
“This training equips PHC workers with practical skills and updated knowledge to handle emergencies and strengthen two-way referrals to improve care,” he added.
He noted that workers would communicate directly with secondary facilities before referrals, ensuring preparedness and faster emergency response.
“Our target is zero maternal and infant deaths through improved communication, better patient management, and timely response,” Pitan said.
The programme runs across three tracks: safe childbirth, child health, and integrated maternal and child health immersion training.
It is organised in three hubs—Orile Agege, Alimosho, and Ifako Ijaiye General Hospitals—covering 64 PHCs across 10 local government areas.
Dr Taiwo Oluyemi, Medical Director of Orile Agege Hospital, said no woman should die while giving life, underscoring the need to strengthen frontline workers and referral systems.
“It is a tragedy when a woman dies in childbirth. This training addresses challenges and will save lives during emergencies,” Oluyemi said, urging participants to sharpen their skills, recognise limits, and make timely referrals to improve patient outcomes.
Dr Adeyanju Oyetoyan, Director of Medical Services and Disease Control at LSHD1, stressed the importance of clinical vigilance, especially in managing labour and preventing postpartum haemorrhage.
“Watch for vaginal bleeding, sudden blood pressure drops, dizziness, or weakness, and act promptly or refer when necessary,” he advised. He also encouraged pregnant women to use PHCs for antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services to ensure early detection of complications.
Dr Justine Adeyemi, a participant from Akonwonjo PHCs, described the training as enlightening, saying it would synchronise PHCs and secondary facilities for seamless referrals.
“It has reawakened the need for prompt action during emergencies to reduce maternal mortality,” Adeyemi said.
Ms Titilayo Folarin, a nurse from Meran PHC, said the programme was timely, adding that it provided new skills and guidance for handling emergencies effectively.
