Dr. Aisha M.Z. Anka, the Health Commissioner of Zamfara State, has sounded the alarm that more than 950,000 women in the state face a significant risk of dying during childbirth.
Dr. Anka made this announcement in Gusau, the state's capital, at the start of a five-day workshop aimed at reducing maternal mortality among health workers in Zamfara.
The Health for Life and Development Foundation, in partnership with the Zamfara State Ministry of Health and the Hospital Services Management Board, organized the event, with backing from the United Nations Population Fund.
The commissioner highlighted that Nigeria contributes to 14 percent of worldwide maternal deaths, with northern Nigeria, including Zamfara, responsible for 70 percent of the nation's maternal fatalities.
She also noted that the 50 nurses and midwives participating in the workshop were carefully chosen from different health facilities throughout the state.
"The workshop demonstrates the government's dedication to enhancing maternal health in Zamfara. The goal of this training is to guarantee the safe birth of children in all state health centers.
The attendees, who are responsible for managing labor rooms, were selected from a range of state medical institutions," Dr. Anka explained.
She reminded everyone that Governor Dauda Lawal had declared a health sector emergency and that the state had initiated comprehensive renovations of health facilities.
"This training reflects the government's pledge to boost the capabilities and expertise of our health personnel statewide," she added.
Dr. Abubakar Danladi, the Director of Health for Life and Development Foundation, earlier stated that the workshop was convened in response to the rising maternal mortality rates in the state.
"The purpose of this training is to prepare our health workers to effectively manage cases leading to maternal deaths. It's about enhancing the skills of our nurses and midwives in handling both direct and indirect causes of maternal fatalities that can be prevented.
One requirement of the training is that participants share the knowledge they gain with their respective health institutions," he said.
