In a startling revelation, Prof. Lanre Adeyemo, Chief Medical Director of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, disclosed that a staggering 75% of Nigerian pregnant women are affected by anemia, a medical condition characterized by blood shortage.
Speaking during the IVON clinical trial in Lagos on Thursday, Adeyemo emphasised the severe consequences of anaemia during pregnancy, highlighting its association with increased risks of maternal and neonatal mortality.
He underlined that anemia is a prevalent concern in African countries, with approximately 50% of pregnant women globally affected, and in Nigeria, the figure stands at three in five.
Adeyemo pointed out that iron deficiency is a major cause of anemia in pregnant women, contributing to elevated risks of morbidity and mortality.
He lauded the IVON clinical trial as a crucial milestone in global efforts to combat maternal and child health challenges, foreseeing its potential to revolutionise obstetrics practices not only in Nigeria but also in developing nations worldwide.
Highlighting the ongoing efforts of the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, Adeyemo outlined a four-point agenda aimed at improving governance and leadership in hospitals, enhancing regulatory capacities, promoting medical industrialization, and investing in public health to address the pressing health issues faced by the nation.
Expressing concern over Nigeria’s heavy reliance on imported pharmaceuticals, including drugs used in the IVON trial, Adeyemo urged a shift in this narrative, stressing the need for the nation to produce its vaccines.
At the same event, Prof. Bosede Afolabi, Director for Center Clinical Trials, shared groundbreaking findings. Recent research established that intravenous iron proves more effective than oral iron in treating anaemia in pregnant women.
Afolabi emphasized that the intravenous iron treatment was both safe and efficient, with the study indicating a significant reduction in iron deficiency anemia.
While awaiting the official publication of their results, Afolabi hinted at the cost-effective aspect of intravenous iron, potentially serving as a more viable option for pregnant women intolerant to oral iron.
The research team has submitted their findings to a reputable journal and anticipates disseminating the information widely once published.
The study challenges the conventional use of oral iron in pregnancy, shedding light on the promising alternative of intravenous iron therapy.
Afolabi emphasized the importance of altering the current approach to anemia treatment during pregnancy and expressed optimism about the positive impact on maternal health outcomes.
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