Kwara Begins Safer Birth Data Training to Cut Maternal and Child Deaths

The Kwara State Ministry of Health has started a three-day Safer Birth Bundle of Care training for data collectors in Ilorin, as part of efforts to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths across the state.

The ministry announced the programme on Friday through its Press Secretary, Saad Hamdalat. Officials said the training began on Thursday and is being conducted in partnership with the Strengthening Access to Reproductive and Adolescent Health Project and Laerdal Global Health.

At the opening session, Commissioner for Health Amina Ahmed El-Imam said the programme marks an important step in ongoing health reforms focused on mothers and newborns. She said the state government wants safer delivery outcomes in health facilities and stronger systems that can track progress with reliable information.

“Women should stop dying while giving life. The road may be rough, winding, or undulating, but as long as we are moving toward that destination, we are on the right path,” she said.

She added that dependable figures must guide public health action.

“It is not about what we think; it is about numbers. Evidence is what shows us where the problem lies and how we can solve it. What you have not commenced, you have not done. Today, we begin,” she added.

El-Imam urged selected participants to take the exercise seriously and continue learning beyond the programme.

“We must all consider ourselves lifelong students. No matter our level, there is always something new to learn — better, more efficient ways to do what we already know. Let us be open to learning for the sake of the mothers and newborns we serve,” she said.

Country Director of Laerdal Global Health, Obinna Orjingene, said the intervention is intended to protect mothers and babies through improved monitoring and better reporting.

“The training will equip selected data collectors across the state with the knowledge and tools required to accurately capture and report maternal and newborn health data. This is a crucial component in strengthening service delivery and reducing preventable deaths,” he said.

UNICEF representative Hadiza Haliyu also said stronger health data systems are important to improving maternal and newborn outcomes in Kwara. She said sustained cooperation between government and partners can speed up progress toward ending avoidable maternal and child mortality in the state.