…Charges mothers to utilise programme’s free services

From Okey Sampson, Umuahia

The Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has flagged off the 2025 Round Two Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) in Umuahia, with a call on mothers to utilise the programme’s free services.

Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Adaeze Emetu, Mrs Otti said the exercise was a way of reinforcing the state government’s dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes.

She described the event as another significant step towards reducing preventable maternal and child deaths across the state.

While acknowledging the progress made so far, she however emphasised the need for sustained efforts to safeguard the health of mothers and newborns.

She charged health workers to strengthen their skills, enhance communication with clients, and uphold professionalism.

Mrs Otti encouraged mothers, caregivers, and pregnant women to fully utilise the week-long free services, including the provision of vitamin A supplementation and multiple micronutrient supplements for expectant mothers who missed the earlier round in June.

The Commissioner for Health, Prof Enoch Uche said Nigeria accounted for 29 per cent of global maternal deaths, a figure he described as unacceptable.

He commended the state government for implementing policies and programmes that demonstrate strong political will to reduce maternal and child mortality.

The Executive Secretary of the State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr Kalu Kalu, revealed that maternal mortality in Abia has declined to 136 per 100,000 births.

He, however, raised concerns over under-five and perinatal mortality rates, which he said stood at 69 and 129 per 1,000 respectively, and called for urgent action.

He explained that the MNCHW would offer free immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, antenatal care, and family planning services in all wards of the state.