In a bid to reduce maternal and child mortality in Nigeria, the Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), in partnership with the Lagos State Government, has commenced a one-week intensive training for health workers in Lagos State.
The training is also meant to improve emergency medical response, and boost chronic disease management in public health facilities.
Speaking at the event, the Director, Medical Administration, Training and Programmes, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Mazeedat Erinosho, described the training as a strategic move to curb maternal mortality by empowering frontline health workers.
“This collaboration with ANPA is to build the capacity of our healthcare workers in managing one of the leading causes of maternal mortality—PostPartum Hemorrhage,” she said.
According to Dr. Erinosho, the selected facilities were chosen based on data indicating a high prevalence of PPH.
” The trained participants would not only return to improve care at their stations but would be responsible for cascading the knowledge to colleagues, thereby institutionalising the life-saving skills across the state”. Erinosho
Earlier, “there was a comprehensive exercise on Obstetrics Emergencies, specifically Postpartum Hemorrhage, which had over 20 healthcare workers selected from 10 health facilities identified with high incidences of maternal deaths.
The President, Association of Nigerian Physicians in the Americas (ANPA), Dr. Cliff Eke, who led the ANPA delegation from the United States, described the year 2025 ANPA Week meant to mark it’s 30th anniversary,
as the most expansive in the history of the association.
“This is the biggest of our ANPA weeks in 30 years. Lagos is the heartbeat of Nigeria, and what happens here can be replicated across the country,” he said.
Dr. Eke emphasized the importance of tackling postpartum hemorrhage, noting that it remains the number one killer of women during childbirth.
“Losing over 500ml of blood after vaginal delivery, or 1000ml after a caesarean, can be fatal,” This training equips our healthcare workers to prevent or manage such situations effectively,” he added.
The Team Lead for the Obstetrics Emergencies Module at ANPA, Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, reiterated the critical importance of early detection and aggressive intervention.
“Postpartum hemorrhage can be catastrophic and happen quickly. Prevention and preparedness are key to reducing not just mortality, but also long-term morbidity for mothers,” she noted.
She praised the Lagos State Ministry of Health for its commitment and described Lagos as a strategic launchpad for systemic change. “If we can make a dent in maternal mortality here, we can replicate the success across Nigeria,” she said.
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at FMC Ebute Meta, Dr. Odofin James Taiye, a facilitator, said the hands-on training would prepare participants to make critical decisions during emergencies.
“We’re not just teaching theory; this is practical, life-saving work. Knowing when to escalate care can be the difference between life and death,” he said.
Participants at the training expressed gratitude for the opportunity to gain advanced knowledge and skills. Dr. Juliet Obiorah, Senior Medical Officer at Amuwo Odofin Maternal and Child Centre, described the session as timely and impactful.
“I have learned to assess post-delivery bleeding thoroughly and when to escalate care to prevent fatalities,” she said.
Dr. Ogheneovo Okpare, Medical Officer at General Hospital, Gbagada, praised the organisers for the initiative.
“This training has sharpened our skills in estimating blood loss, using uterotonics, and identifying birth canal injuries. We are ready to step down the training and improve maternal care in our hospitals,” he said.
The ANPA 30th anniversary celebration is anchored on health “giving back to the motherland” through impactful partnerships and service delivery.
The Programme will last one week.
