The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB), in collaboration with Project Aisha, has concluded a seven-day specialised training on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC) for frontline nurses and midwives.
EpeInsights learnt that the intensive programme trained 35 midwives drawn from all six health districts, equipping them with critical skills to manage obstetric and neonatal emergencies and improve survival rates for mothers and newborns.
Declaring the training open, the Permanent Secretary, LSPHCB, Dr. Ibrahim Akinwunmi Mustafa, mni, represented by the Director, Nursing Services, NR. Anne Olasumbo Oyesanya, reaffirmed the state government’s unwavering commitment to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
“This training is a significant step toward strengthening the capacity of our healthcare workforce. With skilled providers at the frontlines, we are better positioned to prevent avoidable deaths and ensure safer deliveries,” he stated.
In her address, NR. Oyesanya underscored the pivotal role of nurses and midwives in delivering timely and quality maternal care.
“This initiative reflects a major investment in the continuous professional development of our nursing workforce. By building capacity at the frontlines, we are ultimately saving lives. I commend all participants and urge them to cascade this knowledge within their facilities,” she said.
Project Aisha, a maternal health initiative implemented by the Health Strategy and Delivery Foundation (HSDF), provided technical expertise and logistical support for the training. The initiative targets at least a 20% reduction in maternal deaths and complications in Lagos.
Already, Project Aisha has contributed to a 52% decrease in deaths caused by postpartum haemorrhage and preeclampsia/eclampsia in the state.
Programme Director, Dr. Olasunmbo Makinde, charged participants to apply and share the knowledge gained.
“Through integrated quality improvement and capacity-building, we are seeing tangible impacts. This training is part of our ongoing commitment to ensure no woman dies giving life,” she said.
The training covered a wide range of modules, including; focused and Group Antenatal Care (ANC/G-ANC), management of Labour using the Labour Care Guide (LCG), birth Preparedness and Complication Readiness, prevention and Management of Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH), essential Newborn Care (ENC 1 & 2).
Other are; prevention and Management of Pre-Eclampsia/Eclampsia, neonatal Emergencies, application and Removal of Non-Pneumatic Anti-Shock Garment (NASG) and Kangaroo Mother Care (KMC)
Participants engaged in hands-on simulations, case-based learning, and a clinical posting to Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, providing them with practical, real-world experience.
