By Kingsley Agim
The Cross River State Government has received commendation for its commitment to improving maternal and child health, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s national health agenda.
Dr. Jaiyeola Oyetunji, Technical Lead for Maternal, Newborn Health, Family Planning, and Reproductive Health at JHPIEGO Nigeria, lauded Governor Bassey Otu’s administration during a dissemination meeting on Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC) held on Monday in Calabar.
Dr. Oyetunji expressed gratitude for the state’s support, highlighting the dedication of the CEmONC Team in data collection and analysis. He emphasized the importance of ensuring that all pregnant women have positive pregnancy experiences and that no woman or newborn dies during pregnancy.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to addressing human resource challenges in healthcare delivery. He noted that the Hope Primary Healthcare (PHC) Project, sponsored for all states, aims to reduce the disease burden among pregnant women and children under five years. Dr. Ayuk emphasized that these two groups account for over 60% of disease burdens, making them a focal point for universal health coverage initiatives.
The state has also embarked on revitalizing its primary healthcare infrastructure. In collaboration with the World Bank-funded Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, contracts have been awarded for the revitalization of 82 PHCs across the state. The initiative aims to modernize healthcare facilities, ensuring they are equipped to provide quality services to residents.
Special Adviser on Health, Dr. Ekpo Ekpo Bassey, highlighted the government’s prioritization of the health sector, stressing the emotional toll of maternal and child mortality. He called for strengthening secondary healthcare facilities to enhance service delivery.
The dissemination meeting featured presentations on health facility infrastructure, power needs, and Bill of Quantities (BOQ) assessments by state CEmONC Supervisor, Dr. Enya Ideba Edogi, and Esther. The findings were unveiled by Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, marking a significant step towards improving maternal and child health outcomes in Cross River State.
