Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, hosted delegates from the Community Maternal Perinatal Death Surveillance Response (CMPDSR) initiative on June 5, 2024.
Supported by the Lagos State Government, the initiative aims to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths in communities.
The inauguration preparatory meeting which took place at the chairman’s office included officials from the Department of Disease Control and the council’s Environmental Health Department, focusing on the program’s strategic implementation.
Mr Jemilade Longe from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI) Nigeria, lauded Hon. Wasiu Adesina, for his swift support of the Community Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Response (CMPDSR) program.
Mr. Jemilade, a consultant for the CMPDSR, emphasized that the initiative aims to reduce maternal and perinatal deaths by identifying, reporting, and analyzing these deaths to implement preventive measures.
“The CMPDSR initiative, to be piloted from Ikorodu will focus on local-level interventions and involves assigning tasks, setting timelines, and conducting follow-ups”.
“The insights from this pilot will guide the broader application across other local government areas” he said.
Mr. Longe expressed optimism about the program’s potential impact, highlighting the essential collaboration between community leaders, healthcare providers, and international health organizations.
He praised Ikorodu’s commitment as a model for other regions, aiming for sustainable improvements in maternal and child health across Nigeria.
The CMPDSR initiative represents a significant step towards reducing maternal and perinatal mortality in Nigeria. By focusing on community-level interventions and fostering strong local partnerships, the program aims to create a sustainable impact, ultimately ensuring healthier futures for mothers and their children across the nation.
Dr. Iwayemi Veronica, the Director of Affairs for the Community Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance Response (CMPDSR), explained the crucial health initiative is aimed at significantly reducing maternal and perinatal deaths within communities. During the meeting the chairman, Dr. Veronica highlighted the core objectives and operational strategies of the CMPDSR, emphasizing its potential to save lives and improve maternal and child health outcomes.
The CMPDSR initiative focuses on a systematic approach to identifying, reporting, and analyzing causes of maternal and perinatal deaths. Dr. Veronica detailed that the program’s primary functions include:
- Effective identification and reporting of maternal and perinatal deaths.
- Thorough investigation to assign causes to these deaths.
- Identification and recommendation of actions to prevent future occurrences.
- Assignment of specific tasks to designated groups or individuals.
- Establishment of time frames for the completion of recommended actions.
- Rigorous follow-up to ensure the implementation of preventive measures.
Dr. Veronica emphasized the importance of addressing maternal and perinatal deaths at the community level. She noted that while many initiatives focus on healthcare facilities, a significant number of deaths occur within communities, often going unreported or inadequately investigated. The CMPDSR aims to bridge this gap by engaging local communities directly in the surveillance and response process.
“The purpose of the Community Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (CMPDSR) is to track and rectify the causes of maternal mortality at community levels,” Dr. Veronica explained. By doing so, the program seeks to uncover root causes and implement targeted interventions to prevent future deaths.
The CMPDSR initiative will be piloted in Ikorodu, Lagos State, with plans for broader implementation across other local government areas. Dr. Veronica expressed optimism that the findings and outcomes from Ikorodu would serve as a valuable model for other regions.
“In order to achieve the goal of the CMPDSR, which is to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths, the response component must be effective. And Options is working with the communities to generate these actions,” she stated.
This collaborative effort is essential for the program’s success, ensuring that community-specific challenges are addressed and local resources are mobilized effectively.
Dr. Veronica, in conclusion extended her gratitude to Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, for his show of interest towards the official inauguration of the initiative. She praised Ikorodu LG for setting a precedent that other local governments can follow, showcasing the community’s commitment to improving maternal and child health.
“The support from the Executive Chairman will provide a robust platform for the CMPDSR to kick off successfully in Ikorodu. This initiative positions Ikorodu as a trendsetter, paving the way for other local governments in Lagos State,” Dr. Veronica concluded.
Hon. Wasiu Adesina, the Executive Chairman of Ikorodu Local Government, in his speech expressed gratitude to the organizers of the Community Maternal Prenatal Death Surveillance Response (CMPDSR) initiative.
He explained the importance of the collaboration for the residents of Ikorodu and highlighted the health sector in Ikorodu central as a key priority of his administration.
Adesina explained that his commitment to the health sector was evident from his immediate and undivided attention to the CMPDSR initiative since the first meeting with the officials.
He further disclosed his efforts to rehabilitate the Agura Primary Health Centre and the Ita-Elewa Health Centre, reflecting his dedication to improving maternal health services in the community.
Adesina urged the CMPDSR organizers to maintain consistent communication with the council to facilitate effective support from the local government.
He assured the officials of his administration’s open-door policy and commitment to providing all necessary measures to ensure the initiative’s success in Ikorodu.
“Even though palliative support cannot reach everyone, initiatives like this are another form of palliative that will touch virtually all lives across the region,” Adesina stated, highlighting the widespread impact of the CMPDSR program.
To ensure seamless collaboration, Adesina requested the inclusion of four council members in the CMPDSR inauguration planning committee, a request promptly granted by the CMPDSR officials.
He then officially inaugurated the CMPDSR inauguration planning committee, marking a significant step towards the successful launch of the initiative.
The council Manager Mr Shaanu Shaipe, the Council Treasurer, Ojikutu Olufunke, Alhaji Lateef Afinni, secretary to the Local Government, and Alhaja Rashidat Bello APC woman leader in Ikorodu division attended the meeting.
Other health practitioners in attendance were: Mr. Sulu Kaseem, LGHA (Ikorodu); Dr. Adeniyi Taofiq, Health Officer from Alausa; Mrs. Sosanya Yetunde, Health Educator; Dr. Odusesan Rahmat; Sulaiman Iyabode; Sule Rashidat Olajumoke, Apex Nurse; Aderajo Folashade; Oreoluwa Ojo; and Inukan Ayodele Oluwayemisi, among others.
The CMPDSR which is set to officially launch in Ikorodu on June 13, 2024, will host key attendees from the Lagos State Ministry of Health and local health sector stakeholders.
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