The Kaduna Ministry of Health on Friday reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and newborn deaths through continuous capacity building for health care professionals.

The Commissioner for Health, Umma Ahmad, made this known while speaking at the opening of a medical simulation and debrief training course for senior clinicians on Friday in Kaduna.

Ms Ahmad described the programme as a strategic intervention aimed at strengthening the competence, confidence and teamwork of frontline health workers in managing maternal and neonatal emergencies.

She said the training organised through the collaboration of the Medical Association of Nigerians Across Great Britain (MANSAG), the Nigerian Nurses Charitable Association UK (NNCA UK), and the Federal Ministry of Health among others brings together doctors, nurses, midwives and programme officers.

The commissioner expressed appreciation to the visiting diaspora medical team, led by Jideofor Menakaya, for returning home to share their expertise and strengthen healthcare delivery in the country.

She noted that the state continues to invest in revitalising primary healthcare centres, upgrading general hospitals, and expanding comprehensive emergency obstetric and newborn care (CEmONC) services, adding that the quality of healthcare ultimately depends on the skills and preparedness of health professionals.

According to her, simulation-based learning provides healthcare workers the opportunity to build practical skills, improve teamwork and enhance emergency response without putting patients at risk.

She urged participants to maximise the opportunity by translating the lessons learned into improved clinical practice, mentoring other healthcare workers and establishing simulation sessions within their facilities to strengthen emergency preparedness.

Ms Ahmad reiterated the state government’s commitment to continue working with partners to scale simulation-based learning across health facilities as part of broader efforts to improve maternal and newborn survival.

She commended MANSAG, NNCA UK, the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National SWAp Coordination Office, the MAMII Programme and all collaborating partners for their shared commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s health system.

The commissioner also reiterated Kaduna State’s determination to ensure that no woman loses her life while giving life and that every newborn is given the best possible chance to survive and thrive.

(NAN)