Dr. Amina Ahmed El-Imam, Kwara State Commissioner for Health, has urged medical professionals to prioritise the safety and well-being of mothers and newborns as a critical strategy to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates.

The directive was issued during the official launch of a six-day residential State Training of Trainers (STOT) on the Essential Newborn Care Course (ENCC), held at Silver Gate Hotel in Irewolede, Ilorin. The training, running from 3 to 8 April, aims to equip doctors with advanced skills in maternal and neonatal care.

Dr. El-Imam emphasised the programme's role in strengthening healthcare delivery: “This capacity-building initiative is designed to ensure our medical teams are adept at managing critical cases, safeguarding lives from preventable complications.”

Addressing participants at the opening ceremony, Dr. El-Imam expressed profound appreciation to healthcare workers across the state for their dedications, describing their services as invaluable.

According to her; “no amount of welfare package can truly quantify the impact of the services and sacrifices you make daily. You are at the very center of the circle of life. The first four weeks of a child's life are the most critical, and your role during this period is immeasurable in determining life expectancy.”

Highlighting the present administration's commitments to supporting healthcare professionals, Dr. El-Imam stressed that medical personnel cannot deliver optimally without a functional health system.

“You have a Governor who supports you, and that's why we are investing heavily in getting Primary Health Centres (PHCs) right. We are equipping, renovating, and expanding all 193 Primary Health Centres across the state,” she revealed.

She also noted that the ongoing solarization projects in secondary health facilities were one of the state's sustainable strategies, to improve healthcare outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health.

El-Imam also disclosed that the state had commenced the payment of the 2024 CONMESS salary structure for medical doctors, emphasizing government's commitment to welfare and retention of healthcare personnel.

“This training is part of our broader commitments to continuous professional development. We understand the holistic needs of the health sector and we are not only equipping infrastructure, we are as well building your capacity.

"So, take full advantage of this opportunity. It is only when you are able to serve our babies better and save more lives that the objective of this training is fulfilled,” the Commissioner added.

She therefore urged Doctors not only to apply clinical knowledge, but also to engage and counsel families, especially women, on proper newborn care practices.

“You have direct access to Mothers. Use that access to educate, support and strengthen them. With consistent efforts, we can collectively reduce the mortality rate in Kwara State and environs."

Dr. El-Imam thereafter declared Kwara State as one of the best places to be born in Nigeria, citing the state's recent recognitions as a multi-award-winning leader in healthcare services.

Also speaking at the event, the representative of Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Mr. Edward Iyamu, commended Kwara State Government for its proactive steps at improving health service delivery.

He particularly lauded the state's focus on maternal and child health, calling on United Nations agencies and other international development partners, to continue supporting Kwara in its efforts to improve health outcomes.

The ongoing Essential Newborn Care Course (ENCC) Training is expected to significantly boost the capacity of Doctors in providing optimal care to Mothers and newborns, thereby contributing to safer childbirth experiences and healthier beginnings for the youngest citizens of Kwara State.