Lagos: The Chief Medical Director, Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Prof. Adetokunbo Fabamwo, has called for strong political will to prioritise adequate resource allocation to maternal and child health. Fabamwo made this call during the 24th Biennial Conference and Investiture Ceremony of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Lagos Branch.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the event was themed ‘Road Map to Strengthening Healthcare Services for Women and Children: Policies, Politics, and Participation.’ Fabamwo highlighted that despite progress in the health of women, children, and adolescents, preventable deaths and ill health remain prevalent, especially in rural areas. Represented by Prof. Yusuf Oshodi, an Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at LASUTH, he emphasized that women’s and children’s healthcare needs make up about 70% of global healthcare requirements.
Fabamwo pointed out the persistent issue of high maternal mortality, noting that in 2017, approximately 295 million women died from preventable pregnancy and childbirth-related causes. He underscored the urgent need to address neonatal and child mortality, citing statistics of stillbirths and deaths among young children as critical indicators of health needs.
He advocated for focused medical support for women during pregnancy and childbirth to ensure safety for both mother and newborn. Essential child healthcare should include immunisation, nutrition, and preventive care, particularly during formative years.
Fabamwo identified poverty, weak health systems, gender inequality, and systemic barriers such as underfunding and inadequate infrastructure as factors worsening maternal and child health. He called for increased funding, improved access to quality healthcare, and strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 5 for health and gender equality.
Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, MWAN National President, praised MWAN Lagos for the timely and visionary theme and sub-themes of the event, highlighting the commitment to strengthening health systems and policies focused on women and children.
Dr Funmi Ige, President of MWAN Lagos Branch, reiterated the importance of actionable, evidence-based policies, political will, and society-wide involvement in strengthening healthcare delivery. She described MWAN Lagos’s efforts in community health, advocacy, and education as crucial in this regard.
Dr Abiola Idowu, Chairman of the Local Organising Committee, noted the remarkable contributions of medical women in hospitals, communities, and government spaces, stressing their role in advancing women’s and children’s health.
Dr Babajide Saheed, Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association, Lagos Branch, remarked on the shift in the nation’s health landscape as more women enter the medical profession.