The Lagos State Primary Health Care Board (LSPHCB) has inaugurated a sub-committee to gather accurate data on maternal, perinatal and child deaths in communities. 

The committee will assist the government in identifying and addressing the probable causes (medical or non-medical) and modifiable (preventive) factors and proffer sustainable solutions to maternal and child deaths.

Ibrahim Mustafa, the permanent secretary of the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, said this in a statement by Adetayo Akitoye-Asagba, the board’s spokesperson, on Saturday in Lagos. 

Mr Mustafa said the state sub-committee for Community-based Maternal Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response (C-MPCDSR) partnered with the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).

The C-MPCDSR programme model ensures maternal, perinatal and child deaths are identified, documented and audited regardless of the place of death.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), Nigeria has the highest number of maternal deaths globally.

Mr Mustafa noted that the maternal and child mortality rates in the country are still high, hence the need for all stakeholders to understand their roles and carry out routine monitoring and fact-finding missions.

According to him, these contributions will help the government make informed decisions.

He added that the pilot of the programme would start in Ifako Ijaiye Local Government Area.

Also, Olukemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, said it had become critical to involve community members, particularly at the grassroots level, in reducing the rate of maternal and child mortality.

Ms Ogunyemi charged the sub-committee members to effectively discharge their duties and ensure that the trust reposed in them by the state for the assignment was justified.

Members of the sub-committee include senior government officials, religious, youth, market women and community leaders, development partners, and healthcare associations, among others. 

(NAN)