A gynaecologist, Zainab Mu’azu, has advised pregnant women to be vaccinated against tetanus to improve maternal care and reduce mortality.

Ms Mu’azu, an expert in the Department of Community Medicine, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, said the vaccine protects the mother and the newborn from the serious risks of tetanus and diphtheria.

She said on Thursday in Bauchi that the vaccine is recommended during each pregnancy to protect the infant from serious illnesses like whooping cough and tetanus before they can be vaccinated and also helps establish protective antibodies in the mother that are transferred to the baby.

Ms Mu’azu urged families to support pregnant women emotionally and economically, adding that poverty reduction through education and economic empowerment improves maternal and child health.

The expert advocated free family planning services to prevent unplanned pregnancies and promote healthy spacing between children.

Ms Mu’azu underscored the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, improved immunisation uptake, and antenatal care.

She urged governments at all levels to strengthen maternal and child health services to promote safe motherhood and reduce maternal and infant mortality.

Ms Mu’azu also called for free, quality antenatal/delivery procedures and postnatal care for all pregnant women, stressing that such interventions are vital for improving health outcomes.

“Provision of medical equipment, essential drugs, improved water, sanitation, and hygiene are vital in family health promotion.

“A healthy mother means a healthy baby; pregnant women should attend antenatal clinics early, eat balanced diets, and continue postnatal visits for at least six weeks after delivery,” she said.

(NAN)