AFRICAN PERINATAL SOCIETY URGES WOMEN TO BOOK ANTENATAL CARE EARLY
By: Safiya Abdulrahim Dabban
The African Perinatal Society has urged pregnant women to commence antenatal care early to help reduce maternal and newborn deaths in Nigeria and other African countries.
The call was made at the Second International Congress of Ultrasound and Perinatal Medicine organised by the society in collaboration with UNICEF and Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital.
President of the society, Prof. Aliyu Labaran Dayyabu, said the conference was aimed at strengthening collaboration among health professionals and developing practical solutions to maternal and newborn health challenges.
Speaking at the event, Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Maternal-Fetal Medicine from Finland, Dr Vedran Stefanovic, said early antenatal care was among the most effective and affordable ways to prevent maternal deaths.
Stefanovic said early visits to healthcare facilities could help detect and manage complications such as pre-eclampsia, diabetes, HIV transmission and pregnancy-related risks.
He urged communities, particularly women in rural areas, to seek antenatal services early and called for stronger rural healthcare facilities and better training for midwives.
UNICEF Health Manager, Dr Serekeberehan Seyoum, commended the African Perinatal Society for promoting research, training and collaboration to improve maternal, fetal and neonatal healthcare.