Govt urged to fast-track approval of anaemia drug for expectant mums

The Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has urged the Federal Government to expedite approval and integration of Ferric Carboxymaltose (FCM) into Nigeria’s healthcare system to tackle maternal anaemia and reduce pregnancy-related deaths. SOGON President, Prof. Okechukwu Ikpeze, made the call at a stakeholders’ roundtable on the drug’s policy and implementation, held in Abuja. Ikpeze described anaemia in pregnancy as one of Nigeria’s leading maternal health challenges, noting that more than half of women attending antenatal clinics are affected. He said government was aware of the drug’s safety and effectiveness and appealed for the approval process to be concluded. “The government is already aware of the effectiveness and safety of FCM. Our appeal is for the relevant authorities to complete the necessary approval processes and integrate the drug into Nigeria’s healthcare system,” he said.