Lagos: Lagos State Health District One (LSHD1) on Monday launched an intensive clinical immersion programme to fix weak referral links blamed for preventable maternal and neonatal deaths. Dr Sola Pitan, Permanent Secretary, LSDH1, said the initiative focused on timely referrals and better care coordination between Primary Health Centres (PHCs) and secondary hospitals.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Dr Pitan emphasized that prompt referrals for pregnant women with complications will significantly reduce maternal and neonatal deaths when the need arises. The training at Orile Agege General Hospital aims to equip PHC workers to identify danger signs early, understand their limits, and refer patients promptly for specialized care.
A report by World Health Organisation (WHO) states that 700 women died daily from preventable pregnancy-related causes in 2023, with deaths occurring almost every two minutes. Dr Pitan highlighted that the training equips PHC workers with practical skills and updated knowledge to handle emergencies and strengthen two-way referrals to improve care.
He further explained that workers would communicate directly with secondary facilities before referrals, ensuring preparedness and faster emergency response. The target is zero maternal and infant deaths through improved communication, better patient management, and timely response.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the programme runs across three tracks, including safe childbirth, child health, and integrated maternal and child health immersion training. It is organized in three hubs-Orile Agege, Alimosho, and Ifako Ijaiye general hospitals-covering 64 PHCs across 10 local government areas.
Dr Taiwo Oluyemi, Medical Director, Orile Agege Hospital, stated that no woman should die while giving life, underscoring the need to strengthen frontline workers and referral systems. The training addresses challenges and will save lives during emergencies.
She urged participants to sharpen their skills, recognize limits, and make timely referrals to improve patient outcomes. Dr Adeyanju Oyetoyan, Director, Medical Services and Disease Control, LSDH1, stressed the importance of clinical vigilance, especially in managing labour and preventing postpartum haemorrhage.
He advised watching for vaginal bleeding, sudden blood pressure drops, dizziness, or weakness, and acting promptly or referring when necessary. 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 will synchronize PHCs and secondary facilities for seamless referrals. It has reawakened the need for prompt action during emergencies to reduce maternal mortality.