The Association of Fetomaternal Medicine Specialists of Nigeria (AFEMSON) has renewed its call to tackle preterm birth, which has been identified as a major driver of perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria.
The President of AFEMSON, Prof. Jamilu Tukur, stated this on Monday in Ilorin, during his welcome address at the 9th Annual General Meeting and Scientific Conference, Harmony 2026 organised virtually.
The virtual programme includes presentation by medical experts in Nigeria and internationally.
The theme of this year’s conference is titled: “Reducing Latrogenic and Preventable Preterm Births in Nigeria,” which addresses a critically important challenge Nigeria’s healthcare system.
Tukur stated that the gathering provides a critical platform for clinicians, researchers, and policymakers to discuss evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing avoidable preterm births and improving neonatal outcomes across the country.
He noted that AFEMSON remains the foremost professional body of fetomaternal medicine specialists in Nigeria.
According to him, the association is committed to advancing maternal and perinatal health through excellence in clinical practice, research, training, and advocacy.
“Preterm birth remains a major contributor to perinatal morbidity and mortality, and this conference
provides a valuable platform for discussing evidence-based strategies aimed at preventing avoidable preterm births and improving neonatal outcomes
“Our central mission remains the prevention and reduction of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality in Nigeria,” the AFEMSON president stated.
Tukur added that over the years, the association has continued to play a leading role in shaping maternal healthcare in Nigeria, even as challenges around preterm birth and newborn survival persist.
He explained that the outcomes of the conference will feed into its ongoing advocacy for improved training, better clinical guidelines, and stronger health system support for pregnant women and newborns.
“The virtual conference format enables colleagues from across Nigeria and around the world to participate regardless of geographical location, while reducing the time, financial costs, and logistical challenges associated with travel and accommodation.
“By leveraging technology to
connect experts and learners on a common platform, this virtual conference advances our vision of a more inclusive, accessible, and forward-looking professional association,” he said.
Also in her welcoming address, the Local Organising Committee (LOC) Chairperson, Prof. Hadijat Raji, said the conference was hosted from the historic city of Ilorin and delivered virtually to bring together clinicians, researchers, teachers, policy advocates and partners committed to advancing fetomaternal medicine in Nigeria and beyond.
She noted that the gathering provides an opportunity to learn from one another, share new ideas, strengthen professional relationships, and renew commitment to improving the lives of mothers, babies, and families across communities.
Raji explained that the theme of the conference is apt, while describing it as a direct response to one of the most pressing challenges in maternal, fetal, and newborn health.
“The theme challenges practitioners to critically examine clinical practices and ensure that every intervention is evidence-based, timely, safe, and beneficial,” she said.
She pointed out that key subthemes for the 2026 conference include: “The FIGO PremPrep 5 Initiative and localization of global strategies for improved outcomes in low- and middle-income countries.
Others, she said are: “Standardisation of Protocols to Enhance Quality and Safety in Fetomaternal Practice and “Community Engagement to Improve Birth Preparedness and Outcomes’ among others.
“These areas underscore the fact that reducing preterm birth requires not only specialist expertise, but also effective implementation, multidisciplinary collaboration, and meaningful partnership with families and communities,” she added.
Similarly, in a communique, the association states that it has launched a new Clinical Practice Guideline for the Prevention, Diagnosis and Management of Preterm Birth in Nigeria.
The doctors therefore urge government and hospitals nationwide to adopt it immediately.
They recommended that government at all levels should prioritize funding and integrate fetomaternal services into Primary Health Care (PHC) and secondary facilities, and invest in electronic medical records to support AI and data generation.
“The new Preterm Birth Guideline should be adopted, disseminated, and implemented nationwide by the Federal and State Ministries of Health, teaching hospitals, and professional bodies.
“Hospitals should audit iatrogenic deliveries and invest in Point of Care Ultra Sounds (POCUS) and specialist training for Obstetrics and Gynaecology (OBGYN), sonographers, and midwives.