The Lagos State Government through the Health District III on Wednesday trained Apex Nurses, Officers In Charge and Midwives across Ibeju-Lekki, Eti-Osa and Epe on respectful maternity care, quality postnatal care and home visits, as part of efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes at the primary healthcare level.
Speaking during the Training on Respectful Maternity Care held at the Igbo – Efon PHC, Igbo – Efon, Ajah, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, said the training aimed to strengthen participants’ knowledge, skills and professional attitude in providing respectful, safe and evidence-based maternity and postnatal care.
She emphasised on women’s rights, dignity, privacy, effective communication, compassionate care, prevention of disrespectful practices, maternal and newborn assessment, identification of danger signs, counselling, timely referral and effective home visits and follow-up.
According to her, the training was important because, “When we impact knowledge, we conquer the world. Our health workers need the skills, language and knowledge on how to treat our patients with dignity and respect and by so doing, we would have more patronage at the facilities and this would safe more lives.”
Dr. Adeleke also called on participants to apply the knowledge gained during the training and share it with colleagues in their respective facilities because quality healthcare should not be measured by clinical outcomes alone, but by the experience of women receiving care.
The Facilitator and Director, Nursing Services, Kosofe Local Government Area, Mrs. Joseph Alaba, made a presentation titled “Quality Postnatal Care” and it focused on care from the time of birth through the first six weeks after delivery.
She explained that postnatal care involves assessing both the mother and newborn, including their physical condition, emotional wellbeing and home environment. She also highlighted the importance of breastfeeding and nutrition, including observing the baby’s feeding pattern, positioning and breastfeeding technique.
Also, a participant and Apex Nurse at the Eti-Osa Local Government Area, Bola Lawal, said the training was very educative because participants were taken through counselling on breastfeeding, nutrition, hygiene, immunisation, cord care and family planning, as well as infection prevention and control, adding that the training is needed at all levels of primary healthcare facilities across the district.
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from Third Lens.
Contact: theeditor@thirdlensng.com
