Lagos: A Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Abidoye Gbadegesin, has called for strengthened healthcare systems and policy reforms to safeguard maternal and child health in Nigeria. Gbadegesin made the call in Lagos while delivering the 120th Inaugural Lecture of Lagos State University (LASU).
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the lecture was entitled ‘Safeguarding the Continuation of the Human Race: Challenges and Prospects in Maternal and Child Health’. Gbadegesin described obstetrics and gynaecology as a critical medical specialty dedicated to the care of women during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period, as well as the overall reproductive health of women.
He explained that obstetrics focuses on managing both normal and high-risk pregnancies to ensure the well-being of mothers and newborns, while gynaecology addresses reproductive health issues such as infertility, infections, menstrual disorders, and cancers. He emphasized that the combined specialty provides a continuum of care from adolescent reproductive health to geriatric gynaecological care.
Gbadegesin traced the evolution of the discipline from ancient, community-based midwifery practices to modern, technology-driven healthcare systems in Nigeria. He noted that the development of the specialty had progressed from traditional care in the pre-colonial era to structured medical services introduced during the colonial period.
Highlighting advancements, Gbadegesin identified the establishment of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria in 1965 as a major milestone in advancing reproductive healthcare through research, education, and advocacy. He reported a 17 per cent decline in maternal deaths in high burden areas in 2024 and 2025, according to the Federal Ministry of Health.
The adoption of the E-Motive protocol for managing postpartum haemorrhage led to a 60 per cent reduction in severe bleeding during clinical trials in Nigerian hospitals. Despite these advancements, Gbadegesin expressed concern that only about 52 per cent of births in the country were attended to by skilled health personnel, with rural areas still lagging behind.
He also highlighted advancements in reproductive technology, noting that Nigeria was among the top five countries in Africa offering In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) services. The increasing use of minimally-invasive procedures such as laparoscopy had improved treatment outcomes for conditions like fibroids and endometriosis.
Gbadegesin added that emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence-powered ultrasound devices and mobile health applications, were improving access to care, particularly in underserved communities. However, Nigeria still faced a high maternal mortality rate.
Identifying major causes of maternal mortality, Gbadegesin mentioned haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, obstructed labour, sepsis, and complications from unsafe abortion. He recommended systemic reforms, including strengthening primary healthcare systems, expanding preventive care, and recruiting more skilled health workers.
He called for improved healthcare infrastructure, enhanced data systems, and increased funding for maternal and child healthcare. The don urged institutions such as LASU and its teaching hospital to expand research, promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and improve access to quality care.
Gbadegesin advocated for stronger collaboration among government, the private sector, non-governmental organisations, and communities to address maternal and child health challenges. He emphasized the importance of increased budgetary allocation, enforcement of health policies, and adoption of digital health innovations.
He also urged public awareness campaigns to promote healthy practices such as exclusive breastfeeding and early health-seeking behaviour. Gbadegesin expressed optimism that with sustained commitment and strategic interventions, Nigeria would significantly reduce maternal and child mortality and ensure a healthier future for its population.