The Rivers State Primary Health Care Management Board (RSPHCMB), in partnership with UNICEF Nigeria, has trained 40 healthcare workers across the 23 local government areas of the state on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BEmONC).
The three-day residential training, held from October 21 to 23, 2026, was aimed at strengthening the capacity of primary healthcare workers to identify and manage complications during pregnancy, childbirth and the immediate postnatal period.
The training focused on addressing life-threatening conditions such as postpartum haemorrhage, pre-eclampsia, obstructed labour and birth asphyxia, which can result in maternal and neonatal deaths if not promptly managed.
Participants received practical training on managing obstetric emergencies, neonatal resuscitation, emergency preparedness and timely referral of patients requiring advanced medical attention.
The programme also featured hands-on demonstrations, case studies and pre- and post-training assessments to strengthen participants’ clinical knowledge and emergency response skills.
The Board said the initiative was part of efforts to strengthen primary healthcare service delivery and reduce preventable maternal and newborn deaths across Rivers State.
It reaffirmed its commitment to promoting safe childbirth and ensuring access to quality healthcare for mothers and children in the state.
