How Gabriel Dogbanya is leading prevention of maternal and child mortality with research

By Tosin Clegg

Maternal and child mortality continues to pose a significant public health challenge in Nigeria and across many low-resource settings. Gabriel Dogbanya, a consultant obstetrician and PhD student in Maternal and Child Health at the University of Maryland, is at the forefront of research addressing these critical issues.

Dr Dogbanya, who holds fellowships from the West African College of Surgeons and the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, has extensive experience in obstetrics and gynaecology, combining clinical practice with research to tackle preventable deaths among mothers and children.

“Preventing maternal and child mortality requires both immediate clinical interventions and long-term community-focused strategies,” Dr Dogbanya emphasised. His work spans emergency obstetric care, perinatal health, and the evaluation of public health initiatives aimed at reducing mortality rates.

One of his notable research areas is the management of postpartum haemorrhage, a leading cause of maternal death. Dr Dogbanya’s studies show that using tranexamic acid alongside oxytocin during caesarean sections can significantly reduce blood loss and improve maternal survival.

He has also contributed to studies on stillbirths, highlighting the need for early identification of high-risk pregnancies and timely interventions. His research at secondary healthcare centres in Zaria demonstrated that structured monitoring and rapid response protocols can reduce the incidence of stillbirth.

Beyond clinical solutions, Dr Dogbanya’s research emphasises the importance of maternal mental health. Perinatal psychological support, he notes, can improve adherence to medical advice and enhance overall maternal and infant well-being.

Community engagement forms a core part of his approach. Dr Dogbanya has been involved in projects that educate women about reproductive health, birth preparedness, and recognising danger signs during pregnancy, helping to reduce preventable complications.

In addition, he has evaluated national and international health initiatives, such as the Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative, assessing their impact on infant care and breastfeeding practices, which are critical for child survival.

Dr Dogbanya’s research also extends to addressing the social determinants of maternal and child mortality. He has explored household food insecurity, access to healthcare facilities, and cultural practices that influence health outcomes, advocating for tailored interventions that meet community needs.

“Mortality is not solely a medical issue; it is deeply connected to education, nutrition, and access to quality healthcare,” he explained. Effective strategies must therefore integrate these dimensions to save lives.

His clinical experience with Medecins Sans Frontieres in emergency obstetric care in Jigawa State provided practical insight into the challenges faced in rural settings, from limited infrastructure to shortages of trained personnel.

Through mentoring and teaching, Dr Dogbanya also ensures that the next generation of healthcare professionals is equipped to continue this work. He has supervised medical students and residents, instilling in them the importance of research-driven practice in reducing mortality rates.

His publications, including studies on preeclampsia and emergency obstetric procedures, contribute significantly to the global understanding of maternal and child health, offering evidence-based recommendations for clinicians and policymakers.

Dr Dogbanya advocates for collaborative approaches, working with governments, non-governmental organisations, and healthcare institutions to implement effective interventions and policies that prioritise maternal and child survival.

His overarching goal is to translate research into actionable strategies that not only save lives in the short term but also build resilient health systems capable of sustaining long-term improvements.

As maternal and child mortality remains a pressing issue, Gabriel Dogbanya’s work exemplifies the blend of research, clinical expertise, and community engagement needed to tackle this challenge and improve outcomes for mothers and children across Nigeria and beyond.