In a bid to strengthen the healthcare system in Ogun State and reduce the mortality rate among children, the state government has trained 50 ad-hoc nurses and midwives on neonatal resuscitation.
The Executive Secretary of Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board, Dr Elijah Ogunsola, made this known on Thursday during a two-day training programme tagged ‘Helping babies breathe’.
The training was facilitated by the Ogun State Primary Health Care Development Board in collaboration with pediatricians from Olabisi Onabanjo and Babcock University Teaching Hospitals in Abeokuta for selected nurses and midwives across the 20 LGAs of the state.
Ogunsola stated that the training was aimed at equipping healthcare professionals with the knowledge and skills necessary to save newborns.
He stressed that it also focused on physiological changes that occur during and after birth, as well as the use of chest compressors and medication to resuscitate babies.
Ogunsola reiterated that nurses and midwives are the backbone of the healthcare system, playing a critical role in providing care, leading change, and driving improvements in health outcomes.
He appreciated the state government for strengthening the healthcare system towards ensuring the accreditation of all state-owned schools of nursing and midwifery, as well as their transition to the current collegiate state.
Speaking, the Lead Instructor, Dr Victor Ayeni, emphasised the importance of the training, saying it would enable babies to breathe’ well after birth.
He noted that they would not only survive but also would not suffer any lifelong disabilities due to the lack of adequate breath in the first few minutes of life.
Responding on behalf of the participants, Miss Olubunmi Alawode and Mr Adesoye Adegboyega appreciated the state government for investing in their professional development and prioritising citizens health, noting that the comprehensive training programme had equipped them with essential skills and confidence for emergencies.
Ogun Govt trains 50 adhoc nurses, midwives on newborn resuscitation