The lawmaker representing Oredo West in the Edo State House of Assembly, Dr Richard Edosa, on Thursday, disclosed that traditional institutions and churches were among the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality in the country.
The lawmaker, who is the Chairman of the House Committee on Health, also listed lack of knowledge and quackery in the medical profession as contributing factors.
Edosa made the remarks when staff of the National Population Commission, led by Tony Aiyejina, the Federal Commissioner in Edo State, visited the deputy speaker of the House, Maria Edeko, at the Assembly Complex in Benin City.
While speaking on the NPC’s 2024 Verbal and Social Autopsy (VASA) programme, the lawmaker added that 158 women die daily from childbirth complications.
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According to him, the leading causes of maternal and infant mortality include lack of knowledge and quackery in the medical profession.
“The traditional institutions and churches also contributed to maternal and infant mortality.
“When some pregnant women come to the hospital and are told that the baby is not well-positioned, requiring surgery to deliver the baby, they often run to the church.
“In most cases, by the time they return to the hospital, it is already too late,” he said.
Olamilekan Adigun is a graduate of Mass Communication with years of experience in journalism embedded in uncovering human interest stories. He also prioritises accuracy and factual reportage of issues.
