Complex Delivery: Nigeria Reaffirms Commitment to Maternal, Newborn Care
Abuja (Core Reporters) The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn health services across Nigeria following a complex delivery successfully managed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delivery involved a set of quadruplets born to Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the tertiary health facility while already in labour. Medical teams at the hospital promptly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully managed the delivery, stabilising both the mother and the newborns.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, upon receiving a briefing on the situation, directed the management of FMC Abeokuta to ensure that the mother and the babies receive comprehensive medical care, monitoring and support to safeguard their wellbeing.
In line with this directive, the hospital has commenced appropriate medical care for the mother and the newborns while also providing counselling and psychosocial support to the family.
The Ministry commended the professionalism of the medical team at FMC Abeokuta for their prompt and coordinated response in managing the delivery, noting that multiple births such as quadruplets are medically demanding and require specialised care and monitoring.
The Ministry also used the opportunity to emphasise the importance of early and consistent antenatal care for all pregnant women. “Regular antenatal visits enable health professionals to detect and manage potential complications early, improve pregnancy outcomes and ensure safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.” Dr. Salako stressed.
Health experts note that cases such as this highlight the critical importance of early antenatal registration and routine pregnancy monitoring, which help health professionals detect multiple pregnancies early and plan safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.
“Pregnant women are therefore encouraged to register for antenatal care early at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout their pregnancy.” He advised.
The Ministry further noted that postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, remains an important component of maternal health care, helping families make informed decisions about birth spacing and overall family wellbeing.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to strengthening maternal, newborn and child health services nationwide through improved health systems, skilled healthcare personnel and expanded access to quality care across all levels of the health sector.
The Ministry continues to expand access to maternal and newborn care services across Nigeria as part of ongoing efforts to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths.
