In a strategic move to tackle maternal and child mortality, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA) has partnered with the Lagos State Government to train frontline health workers across the state in critical areas of healthcare delivery.
Epe Insights learnt that the weeklong capacity-building initiative, which began on Thursday, April 3, 2025, forms part of activities to mark ANPA’s 30th anniversary and is focused on strengthening emergency response systems, maternal health, and chronic disease management.
The training kicked off with an intensive session on obstetric emergencies, particularly Postpartum Hemorrhage (PPH)—a leading cause of maternal deaths in Nigeria. Held at Demeros Hotel and Suites, Agidingbi, Ikeja, the session engaged 20 healthcare professionals drawn from 10 high-risk health facilities across Lagos State.
Director of Medical Administration, Training and Programs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, described the initiative as a bold intervention to save lives.
“This collaboration with ANPA is aimed at building the capacity of our health workers to manage PPH effectively. The selected facilities are those with a high burden of maternal deaths, and the trained personnel are expected to cascade this lifesaving knowledge to others,” she said.
ANPA President, Dr. Cliff Eke, who led the U.S.-based delegation, said Lagos was a strategic location for the most extensive ANPA Week in its 30-year history.
“Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria. If we can create impact here, it can serve as a model for the rest of the country. Our focus this year is on real, actionable training that saves lives,” he noted.
He emphasized the dangers of PPH, describing it as the number one killer of women during childbirth.
“Losing more than 500ml of blood after a vaginal birth or 1000ml after a caesarean can be fatal if not managed swiftly. This training equips health workers to prevent and respond effectively,” he said.
Obstetrics module lead, Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, stressed the importance of early detection and rapid response.
“PPH strikes fast and can be catastrophic. This is why preparedness and proper escalation of care are critical,” she said, commending Lagos for taking a leadership role in addressing maternal mortality.
Dr. Odofin James Taiye, Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at FMC Ebute Meta, noted that the training was designed to be practical and decision-focused.
“We’re not just talking theory—this is about quick, informed actions that save lives during emergencies,” he stated.
Participants expressed appreciation for the knowledge gained.
Dr. Juliet Obiorah, Senior Medical Officer at Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, called the training timely. “It’s enhanced my ability to assess bleeding post-delivery and escalate care when necessary,” she said.
Dr. Ogheneovo Okpare of General Hospital, Gbagada, added, “We’ve learned vital techniques in estimating blood loss, using uterotonics, and identifying birth canal injuries. This will greatly improve patient outcomes.”
The training continues with “Stop the Bleed” and “Basic Life Support” sessions on Friday, April 4, at the LCCI Conference and Exhibition Centre, Alausa. A session on Chronic Kidney Disease holds Saturday, April 5, while a two-day “Helping Babies Survive” workshop rounds off the programme from April 7–8.
The ANPA–Lagos partnership underscores a shared commitment to improving healthcare systems through collaboration, capacity building, and sustainable impact—particularly in reducing preventable deaths and advancing health equity.
