DOCTOR, you recently attended an exclusive fellowship in the US, how has that improved your outlook on the health sector globally?
The Nelson Mandela Fellowship was a major learning curve and milestone in my medical pursuit and health advocacy. Through the course of the program, I explored various ways technology is leveraged to improve treatment and medical practice.
It’s always fulfilling to explore new and more efficient ways to implement medical practice or treatment, and it has broadened my scope of global health discourse and progress.
I gained a better outlook and understanding of the regulations and policies that aid medical practice and their peculiarities in each environment.
Overall, my experiences in the course of the fellowship have helped reaffirm my purpose in medical pursuit and the need for a health-conscious community both collectively and individually.
What would you say are the biggest health challenges for women in the North?
Maternal mortality has been a long lingering issue in the northern part of Nigeria and it has continued to increase annually.
Nigeria accounts for a high number of newborn and maternal deaths recorded in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Northern Nigeria is at the top of the mortality list. There is a huge need for sensitization and awareness about measures to prevent these complications in order to lower the mortality rate.
There is a need for proper training and orientation for traditional birth attendants in northern Nigeria. The training and orientation should include not only basic knowledge but also specific points on how to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality.
This is important because they are the first point of medical contact for pregnant women in rural areas. Access to transportation for maternal patients in these remote areas is also important for preventing and reducing the rate of maternal mortality in these areas as well.
I have been committed to educating and creating a space for useful health conversations in society.
How do you think the government can solve such challenges for women?
The problems women in the north face can be solved by implementing policies and laws that are beneficial and considerate of their special needs in cases of maternity or special needs.
Through the government, private bodies, and NGOs, medical supplies, information, and learning materials should be made accessible and comprehensive to women. So, it’s deep and up-close work.
Secondly, education can make a whole lot of difference in a bid to improve the intellectual growth of the community and individuals.
Thirdly, the traditional and modern ways of sensitization through all channels. A misinterpretation of simple health facts can result in medical complications, which is another factor in the high rate of mortality.
The government can make a feasible and measurable impact in solving the challenges of women when these few items are treated.