The Executive Director of the Kwara Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Nusirat Elelu, has attributed the state’s 30 per cent of perinatal mortality to perinatal asphyxia.
Elelu stated this on Monday in Ilorin while speaking on the sidelines of training for health workers on perinatal asphyxia, organised by the Medical and Dental Consultants’ Association of Nigeria, Kwara Chapter.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that perinatal asphyxia, also known as neonatal asphyxia or birth asphyxia, is the medical condition resulting from the deprivation of oxygen to a newborn infant that lasts long enough during the birth process to cause physical harm, usually to the brain.
Elelu explained that the training by the medical group attracted personnel from 17 PHCs across Ilorin, for quick interventions to save the lives of infants.
She said that this was due to the rising cases of perinatal asphyxia, especially in the hinterland parts of the state.
She described the intervention as a laudable initiative, as it is complementary to the programmes by the state government.
According to her, the government is appreciative of such health interventions, and the need for synergy with other professional bodies in improving the sector.
She underscored the need for capacity training of healthcare providers on modified life-saving skills.
The executive scribe reiterated the resolve of the state government in revamping the healthcare sector across the 16 local government areas of the state.
Dr. Michael Oguntoye, the Director, Primary Health Care Development Agency, explained that perinatal asphyxia is the inability to establish and sustain adequate or spontaneous respiration upon delivery of the newborn.
He pointed out that it remains a serious condition that causes significant mortality and morbidity.
Oguntoye added that it is an emergency condition and required adequate and quick resuscitation measures.
He commended the Kwara chapter of MDCAN for the training, which will go a long way to save the lives of infants.
Speaking earlier, Dr. Mariam Abdulbaqi, the Chairperson of the association, said that the training would cover ventilation and medications to support the baby’s breathing
She added that parental training has a pivotal role to play in maintaining and restoring maternal as well as neonatal health.
Abdulbaqi also stated that each of the PHCs will be given a mini resuscitating kit, comprising exhaled air resuscitation masks and other life-saving equipment.
(NAN)
