LAGOS, ANPA JOIN FORCES TO REDUCE MATERNAL MORTALITY

...ANPA Celebrates 30th Anniversary with Lifesaving Training for Lagos Health Workers

In a landmark effort to tackle maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, has launched a weeklong intensive training programme for healthcare workers across the state.

The initiative, commemorating ANPA’s 30th anniversary, aims to build frontline capacity in obstetric emergencies, emergency medical response, and chronic disease management particularly kidney disease.

Kicking off on April 3, 2025, the programme began with a focused session on postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) a leading cause of maternal deaths held at Demeros Hotel, Ikeja. Twenty health workers from ten high-risk facilities participated in the hands-on training.

Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, Director of Medical Administration, Training and Programs at the Lagos State Ministry of Health, highlighted the partnership as a strategic intervention. “By equipping healthcare workers with skills to manage postpartum hemorrhage, we’re addressing a major contributor to maternal mortality,” she said, adding that trained participants will cascade the knowledge to their peers.

...Weeklong Programme Focuses on Obstetric Emergencies, Emergency Response & Kidney Disease

ANPA President Dr. Cliff Eke, leading the U.S. delegation, described this as the most expansive ANPA Week in the organization’s history. “Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria. What we achieve here can be scaled nationally,” he said, emphasizing the urgency of PPH management.

Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, who led the obstetrics module, stressed the need for early detection and aggressive response to bleeding after childbirth. “Preparedness and prevention are key,” she said, commending Lagos for its leadership.

Supporting the training, Dr. Odofin James Taiye of FMC Ebute Meta underscored the importance of practical, life-saving skills. “Timely decision-making during emergencies saves lives,” he noted.

Participants, including Dr. Juliet Obiorah of Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, expressed gratitude. “I now better understand how to assess and respond to post-delivery bleeding,” she said.

Dr. Ogheneovo Okpare from General Hospital, Gbagada, also praised the hands-on approach. “We’ve sharpened our ability to estimate blood loss and use life-saving tools. We’re ready to train others.”

The programme continues with sessions on “Stop the Bleed” and “Basic Life Support” on April 4 at LCCI Centre, a kidney disease module on April 5, and concludes with a “Helping Babies Survive” workshop on April 7–8.

ANPA’s 30th anniversary underscores its mission to give back to Nigeria by strengthening health systems. This collaboration marks a critical step toward reducing preventable deaths and improving healthcare outcomes in Lagos State.