By Adesakin Adefemi
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening maternal and newborn health services across Nigeria following a complex delivery successfully managed at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, Ogun State.
The delivery involved a set of quadruplets born to Mrs. Mufiat Olateju, who was referred to the tertiary health facility while already in labour.
Medical teams at the hospital promptly responded to the high-risk situation and successfully managed the delivery, stabilising both the mother and the newborns.
The Honourable Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Dr. Iziaq Adekunle Salako, praised the medical team at FMC Abeokuta for their prompt and coordinated response in managing the delivery.
He directed the hospital management to ensure the mother and babies receive comprehensive medical care and support.
The hospital has commenced appropriate medical care for the mother and the newborns, including counselling and psychosocial support for the family.
The Ministry commended the professionalism of the medical team, noting that multiple births like quadruplets require specialised care and monitoring.
The Ministry emphasised the importance of early and consistent antenatal care for all pregnant women, saying regular visits enable health professionals to detect and manage potential complications early.
Dr. Salako stressed that this improves pregnancy outcomes and ensures safer deliveries for both mothers and babies.
Health experts note that cases like this highlight the critical importance of early antenatal registration and routine pregnancy monitoring. This helps health professionals detect multiple pregnancies early and plan safer deliveries.
The Ministry encourages pregnant women to register for antenatal care early at recognised health facilities and maintain regular contact with qualified health professionals throughout their pregnancy. This, they say, is key to reducing preventable maternal and infant deaths.
The Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare remains committed to strengthening maternal, newborn, and child health services nationwide. They are working to improve health systems, increase skilled healthcare personnel, and expand access to quality care.
Postpartum counselling, including voluntary family planning services, is an important component of maternal healthcare. This helps families make informed decisions about birth spacing and overall family wellbeing.
The Ministry’s efforts aim to reduce preventable maternal and infant deaths, and this complex delivery at FMC Abeokuta showcases the success of their approach.
