By Anne Azuka
Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State on Thursday, identified health system gaps and challenges, dearth of qualified personnel, low quality of care, inadequate utilization of available health facilities, and lack of access to essential medicines as factors fueling the high maternal and child mortality rates in the country.
Oborevwori who disclosed this while flagging-off of the first round of the 2023 Maternal and Newborn Health week in Asaba, said that providing accessible and affordable healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children is a critical component of any effective – and sustainable – primary healthcare policy.
Oborevwori noted that successive administrations in the state have provided free healthcare for pregnant women and children under five years in recognition of the importance that is attached to their survival and wellbeing.
He said his administration will not only continue the free healthcare for pregnant women and children under – five, but it will also improve Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services in the state.
According to him, available data showed that maternal and newborn mortality rates in Nigeria are among the highest globally.
He called for the involvement and cooperation of womenfolk to embrace and practice healthy social habits that improve women’s health, such as breastfeeding, regular physical exercises, and abstinence from illicit drugs.
He called for the support of Local Government Council Chairmen, royal fathers, religious and opinion leaders in the engagement and mobilization of their subjects and followers to participate in this exercise.
He commended various partners in the health sector who have always collaborated with the State Government in its march to achieve the Universal Health Coverage mandate of the United Nations.
Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Philomena Okeowo said the goal of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week was to improve the health status of women and children by increasing the coverage of key interventions.
She noted that the state had made considerable progress over the years with Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropping from significantly below 200/100,000 live births and Child Mortality Ratio (CMR) reduced to 53/1000 live births.
In her goodwill message, Delta State World Bank Coordinator, Dr Faith Ireye, lauded the State Government for its commitment to mother and child survival as shown in the implementation of Primary Health Care services in the state.
She said Delta State witnessed a reduction in the outbreak of maternal and childhood killer diseases.
