By Ikenna Nwokedi
Stakeholders in the medical profession have advocated for best practices and proper maternity care for expectant mothers and the need to strengthen women’s health on the occasion of the third Congress and Scientific Meeting of the Association of West African Societies of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (AWASOG).
The two-day Congress held at the Welcome Hotel Event Centre Ikeja, Lagos State had its theme as, “Strengthening Women’s Health in the West African Sub-Region.”
Delivering his opening remarks, the President of AWASOG and a top scholar at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Awka, Professor Joseph Ifeanyi Brian-D Adinma informed that the mandate of the association is to mobilize obstetrician and gynaecologists of the Sub-Region towards active participation in dialogues related to policy formulation, human resources, infrastructural development and builidng of interdisciplinary bridges towards a lasting sexual and reproductive healthcare for the people of the West African sub-region.
Prof. Adinma stated that the theme of the congress was chosen in recognition of the despicable nature of women’s health in the Sub-Region and the need to call the attention of relevant stakeholders towards its aim and objectives.
The Professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology also disclosed that the four sub-themes such as family planning and demographic challenges; respectful maternity care; gender issues in reproductive health in West African Sub-Region and combating the scourge of malaria in pregnancy was carefully chosen taking into cognizance the relative importance of the subject matters as contemporary health issues in the Sub-Region.
In his welcome address, the LOC Chairman, Prof. Yusuf Oshodi disclosed that the theme of the Congress is apt in view of the worsening indices of maternal and perinatal statistics. Prof. Oshodi averred that the Congress provided a platform for meaningful far-reaching conclusions that will inform health policy decisions by Nigerian Government and stakeholders towards addressing the national health challenges. The scholar thanked the President of the association and executive council for entrusting him and his team with the responsibility of ensuring a hitch-free conference.
In his keynote presentation on the topic, “Respective Maternity Care”, Professor Edward Emuveyan described RMC as care without physical or verbal abuse, delivered with dignity and respect for women’s preferences, providing adequate information and obtaining informed consent before procedures. The scholar suggested that RMC requires an enabling environment where staff are highly motivated and there is adequate staff strength, reduced workload, continuous in-service training on evidence based practices, training and support of midwives.
Prof. Emuveyan also said RMC requires adequate provision of supplies, commodities and modern equipment as well as restructuring the hospital wards to accommodate birth companions and providing privacy.
The Congress also featured unveiling of the West African Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology chaired by Professor Fabanwo and Co-chaired by Prof. Paul Ezeonu.
Other highlights of the Congress is award of fellowship honours and scientific meeting featuring technical and plenary sessions on various topics regarding women’s health and reproductive care.
