By Anne Azuka
As the world commemorates World Health Day, the Director-General of the Delta State Contributory Health Commission (DSCHC), Dr. Isaac Akpoveta has called for urgent and sustained efforts from governments and the global health community to reduce preventable maternal and child deaths.
Dr. Akpoveta who spoke in an interview to mark the global event with its theme, “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures” emphasized the critical need to prioritize maternal and newborn health in policy and practice.
While pointing to alarming global statistics that highlight the urgency of the issue, Dr. Akpoveta noted that nearly 300,000 women die each year from complications related to pregnancy or childbirth. In addition, more than two million babies die within their first month of life, and another two million are stillborn.
He stressed that these tragic outcomes are largely preventable with timely, quality healthcare interventions. He emphasized the importance of comprehensive maternal care, not just during labor and delivery, but throughout the entire pregnancy journey and beyond.
According to him, the health system must be equipped to manage a wide range of challenges, including obstetric emergencies, and access to family planning services.
Underscoring the state’s commitment to reversing the trend, the Director-General highlighted that the Delta State Government, through its MORE Agenda, has allocated 1.6 billion Naira to support the commission’s maternal and child health programs.
According to him, this funding is targeted at ensuring that all pregnant women and children under five both resident and indigene across the state have unrestricted access to quality healthcare services.
He reaffirmed the Commission’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive healthcare system that supports women and families at every stage of life—before, during, and after childbirth.
Dr. Akpoveta urged stakeholders at all levels to act decisively and collaboratively to secure healthier beginnings and brighter futures for mothers and children, as World Health Day shines a global spotlight on health equity and wellness.
