Medical Experts Advocate Improved Maternal and Child Healthcare to Reduce Newborn Mortality.

The death of a newborn child remains one of the most heartbreaking experiences any family can face. Across many communities in Nigeria, preventable infant deaths continue to raise concerns among medical professionals and health advocates, especially in rural and low-income areas where access to quality healthcare services is limited. Experts say many of these deaths occur within the first few weeks of life due to complications that could have been avoided through proper medical care, improved maternal health services, and increased public awareness.

According to health practitioners, factors such as poor antenatal care, unsafe delivery practices, infections, premature birth, and delayed medical attention continue to contribute significantly to newborn mortality in the country. They stressed that while progress has been made in healthcare delivery over the years, there is still an urgent need for stronger government investment, better-equipped health facilities, and more education for expectant mothers and families.

Medical experts in Port Harcourt have therefore called for improved maternal and child healthcare services as a major step toward reducing newborn mortality and ensuring that more children survive beyond infancy. They noted that safeguarding the lives of newborns requires collective efforts from parents, healthcare workers, communities, and government institutions.

Speaking on the issue, a doctor at Kendox Medical Center, Dr. Segun Leke, said reducing newborn mortality requires collective efforts from families, healthcare providers, and the government. According to him, one of the most important steps is ensuring that pregnant women attend regular antenatal care throughout pregnancy.

He explained that regular medical visits help doctors monitor the health of both mother and baby, identify complications early, and provide necessary treatment before delivery. He added that many newborn deaths occur because mothers do not receive adequate medical attention during pregnancy or childbirth.

Dr. Leke further advised that deliveries should be handled by skilled health professionals in properly equipped healthcare facilities. He stressed that this would help reduce the risk of complications such as birth asphyxia, infections, and excessive bleeding.

He also emphasized the importance of educating mothers on exclusive breastfeeding, proper hygiene, and keeping newborns warm after birth. According to him, these simple but essential practices significantly improve a baby’s chances of survival during the first month of life.

Speaking further, the medical expert noted that government investment in maternal and child healthcare is equally important. He called for the establishment of more hospitals, recruitment of trained healthcare workers, and provision of affordable medical services, especially in rural communities where access to healthcare remains limited.

Dr. Like added that public awareness campaigns would also help families understand the importance of seeking early medical care for newborns. He maintained that with proper healthcare systems and stronger community support, many newborn deaths can be prevented.

Also speaking, a family health physician, Dr. Ijeoma Nzekwe, explained the critical roles parents and healthcare institutions must play in ensuring newborn survival.

According to her, parents must prioritize maternal health before and during pregnancy by maintaining proper nutrition, attending regular medical checkups, and avoiding harmful practices that could endanger the baby. She stated that after delivery, newborns should receive immediate medical assessment, routine immunization, and proper feeding to strengthen their immunity and support healthy growth.

Dr. Nzekwe observed that many parents ignore early warning signs of illness in newborns, which often leads to preventable deaths. She urged parents to seek prompt medical attention whenever a baby develops symptoms such as fever, breathing difficulties, or poor feeding.

“Seeking medical attention promptly when a baby develops fever, breathing difficulties, or poor feeding can save lives,” she said.

She further stressed that healthcare institutions must improve the quality of care provided to mothers and babies. According to her, hospitals should be equipped with trained neonatal specialists, functional incubators, adequate medications, and effective emergency care services for premature or critically ill newborns.

Dr. Nzekwe also advocated continuous training for healthcare workers to ensure proper handling of delivery complications and newborn emergencies. In addition, she encouraged governments and health organizations to intensify health education programs aimed at teaching mothers the importance of hygiene, breastfeeding, and postnatal care.

She concluded that reducing newborn mortality is achievable when communities, parents, and healthcare systems work together. According to her, every child deserves a healthy start to life, and with the right medical care, improved healthcare services, and increased public awareness, thousands of newborn lives can be saved every year.

By Nzeuzor Jane and Maduadugwo Jane

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