First Lady
The First Lady of Ondo State and Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) Ambassador, Oluwaseun Aiyedatiwa, has praised the successful completion of the Accelerating Measurable Progress and Leveraging Investments for Postpartum Hemorrhage Impact (AMPLI-PPHI) Project, describing it as a watershed moment in the state’s efforts to reduce maternal mortality and improve maternal healthcare outcomes.
Speaking at the AMPLI-PPHI Ondo end-of-project dissemination event on Wednesday in Akure, which was organized by the Ministry of Health in partnership with Jphiego Nigeria, Her Excellency Mrs. Aiyedatiwa, represented by Nurse Patience Arinola Adamolekun, a full-time member of the Ondo State Hospitals’ Management Board (HMB), stated that the project’s conclusion marked not only the end of a development intervention but also a celebration of lives saved, improved healthcare systems, and empowered communities throughout the state.Health
She claims that postpartum hemorrhage continues to be a major hazard to maternal health in Nigeria and is the world’s biggest cause of maternal fatalities.
She clarified that no woman should die giving birth, emphasizing that the project’s success shows what can be accomplished when communities, governments, medical professionals, and foreign partners work together to achieve a common goal.
Mrs. Aiyedatiwa outlined a number of the project’s accomplishments, such as the expansion of postpartum hemorrhage prevention and management programs throughout the state’s 18 local government districts.
She added that through the Ondo State Drugs and Health Commodities Management Agency, the state government has effectively institutionalized the purchase of life-saving PPH commodities.
Mrs. Aiyedatiwa acknowledged the contributions of the State Ministry of Health, healthcare professionals, local government officials, professional associations, and community structures while also praising the administration of the state governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, for putting maternal and newborn health first.
She extended special appreciation to Jhpiego and development partners including Unitaid, European Union, Global Gateway, and United Nations Population Fund for providing technical expertise, financial support, and strategic guidance throughout the implementation of the project.
Prof. Simidele Odimayo, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, stated in his opening remarks that four distinct delays delaying seeking healthcare, delaying accessing healthcare, delaying receiving healthcare, and community accountability and responsibility are responsible for the majority of maternal deaths.
He restated Governor Aiyedatiwa’s pledge to use the “OUR EASE” agenda to improve maternal health in the state.
“Strengthening the State’s health insurance program is one of the State Government’s initiatives.” Mr. Governor is putting a lot of effort into making both urban and rural road networks better. The establishment and strengthening of the ambulance services in the state is a testament to his efforts in eliminating the second delay of patients reaching healthcare facilities. Dedicated phone numbers have been made available to the public to make calls and get help immediately to the nearest health facility.
“In combating the third delay, huge investments have been made in the health sector, as renovation and equipping of health facilities is currently ongoing while also recruiting different cadres of the health workforce. The gap in human resources has been decimated, as the state reengaged retired but not tired doctors and nurses to provide services and improved renumeration has just been approved such that our health care workers are at par with the federal government workers to reduce migration.Health
” The Government has also established a college of Nursing in the southern senatorial district to bridge the gap in the human resource of health,” he explained.
He appreciated Jhpiego for the new innovations like the Low Dose High Frequency /On the Job trainings initiated and the establishment of simulation corners.
He assured of sustainability of the gains of the project.
President/Chief Executive Officer, Jphiego, Dr. Allyson Bear reaffirmed the organiaation’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at reducing maternal mortality and improving maternal and child health outcomes in Ondo State and across Nigeria.
She expressed appreciation for the warm reception received during the visit, describing the occasion as a testament to the power of collaboration between development partners and government institutions in advancing healthcare goals.
Jphiego Nigeria Country Director, Dr. Adetiloye Oniyire revealed that the organisation has been in the state since 2019, noting that it is implementing several projects like repair of health facilities, establishment of skilled laboratory among others
