The Lagos State Ministry of Health has reaffirmed its commitment to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality through stronger collaboration with the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), Lagos Sector.
During an advocacy visit led by former SOGON President Prof. Rotimi Akinola and Sector Chairman Prof. Abidoye Gbadegesin, Health Commissioner Prof. Akin Abayomi welcomed proposals to enhance obstetric care, scale up residency training, and strengthen community-level interventions.
Abayomi emphasized the state’s zero-tolerance stance on preventable maternal deaths and pledged support for sustainable partnerships.
He also highlighted plans to decentralize obstetric care and redesign Maternal and Childcare Centres across Lagos.
SOGON advocated for the institutionalization of the Volunteer Obstetrician Service Scheme (VOSS) and legal backing for the Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) programme.
The group also called for practical policies to address unsafe abortions, which contribute significantly to maternal deaths.
Both parties agreed to hold a broader stakeholders’ engagement to advance maternal and child health initiatives across Lagos.