Follow Us on Google
From Aniekan Aniekan, Calabar
A major step towards reducing maternal and infant mortality is ongoing in Cross River State courtesy of the intervention by the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS).
This follows a Town Hall Research Feedback Meeting in Akpabuyo, where Project Manager, CHAMPS, Prof. Iwara Arikpo, emphasized the initiative’s vision to build a healthier future where every mother and child can thrive.
Arikpo explained that CHAMPS is working to improve pregnancy care and scientifically investigate causes of death to prevent recurrence. The program, he said has achieved significant success in community sensitization, with over 95 percent acceptance rate for the Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure.
This, he added has helped overcome initial skepticism and paved the way for evidence-based solutions to mortality challenges.
Prof. Ekaete Enang who represented the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar, Prof Florence Obi, pledged the institution’s support for CHAMPS. “The University of Calabar remains committed to deploying its human capital and research capacity to strengthen healthcare delivery through CHAMPS.”
CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, stressed the importance of collective action in reducing preventable deaths. “Despite existing interventions, too many children are still dying. By working with Emory University, we are investigating causes and finding solutions. We must say no to needless child deaths.”
The Supervisor for Health in Akpabuyo Local Government, Mr. Elvis Usang, commended CHAMPS’ interventions and assured that the council would prioritize health in its agenda.
At the grassroots level, Mrs. Orie Iyang, Officer-in-Charge of the Akpabuyo Primary Health Centre, applauded CHAMPS for its facility support and distribution of mama kits, which had improved access and affordability of healthcare for families.
The forum brought together government officials, religious leaders, traditional rulers, and community stakeholders to strengthen partnerships against maternal and child mortality.
Findings presented during the meeting showed that CHAMPS activities do not conflict with cultural or religious practices. However, researchers noted that family approval is often required before women can engage with health staff, and some communities have specific requirements for data collection.
In an interactive session, participants raised concerns and made recommendations. CHAMPS officials pledged to integrate these recommendations into future interventions, ensuring a continued collaborative approach to reducing maternal and child mortality in Cross River State.
