Expert calls for improved family planning

A Consultant in Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Prof. Josiah Mutihir, has described improved family planning as critical in addressing maternal mortality in Nigeria and strengthening reproductive health.

The Consultant in the Obstetrics and Gynaecology Department of Jos University Teaching Hospital, made the call in an interview with the newsmen on Thursday in Jos.

Supreme reports that the maternal mortality ratio in Nigeria is estimated at 512 deaths per 100,000 live births,

This is considered a threat to the country’s achievement of the Sustainable Development Goal target of reducing global maternal ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 live births by 2030.

Mutihir described family planning as crucial to reproductive health.

“It prevents up to 30 per cent of maternal deaths, and if it does that, then, we are sure that if people are using them, family planning will reduce maternal mortality,’’ he said.

The expert urged governments to increase budgetary allocations to reproductive health and employ more health workers.

“ Almost all maternal deaths are preventable especially those that come for Antenatal Care (ANC) where problems can be detected and prevention services provided,’’ he said.

Mutihir, who is also the Chairman of the Voice for Family Planning and Reproductive Health in Plateau, alleged that midwives were being replaced with Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) in local governments across the state.

He said that such an action was detrimental to the wellbeing of pregnant women since midwives are competent in taking care of normal pregnancies and deliveries.

“We have noticed a dangerous trend: local government chairmen have refused to employ midwives who are trained for taking care of pregnant women; they rather employ CHEW, whose curriculum is different from that of the midwives.

“It (curriculum) does not entail detailed management of pregnant women. I call on LGA chairmen to employ midwives to fill gaps.’’

He called on communities to adequately support pregnant women.

“Communities should take care of this group of women who are bringing forth children; without them, the community will be doomed.

“ They should assist to make necessary arrangements to transport pregnant women in labour to health facilities.

“Their husbands should help in providing for them to ensure safe delivery, while the women should also register for ANC, “ he advised.