High Maternal & Infant Mortality: Federal, Enugu Govts Move Into Action

The Federal Government in collaboration with the Enugu State government are now poised to battle the maternal & infant mortality rate challenge facing the state.

This they have begun to do by launching a Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Innovation Initiative (MAMII) project, which would prioritise three local local government areas in the state.

The initiative is aimed combating this worrisome maternal & infant mortality rate in the Southeast state.

National Lead Coordinator of the Sector-wide Approach, (SWAP), team, Mr. Abraham Ahmadu, said Oji River, Igboeze North, and Isi-Uzo which have been afflicted with the problem, would be primary focus of the project, having recorded the highest maternal and neonatal mortality figures.

The collaborators unveiled the initiative during a 5-day stakeholder’s workshop in Enugu, titled “Enugu State Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiative (MAMII) Co-Creation Workshop”.

“The initiative seeks to eliminate barriers to maternal healthcare by ensuring pregnant women receive timely, quality care and skilled attendance at health facilities across the three pilot council areas”, Ahmadu told guests at the workshop.

He said the workshop which brought together key stakeholders would produce an implementation roadmap towards achieving the set targets.

The programme is currently being implemented in 33 states and 172 local government areas of the state, being a priority project of the Coordinating Minister of Health, Professor Muhammad Pate.

It is expected to boost healthcare delivery in the country, generally and drastically reduce maternal and neonatal mortality particularly.

The National Lead Coordinator also urged stakeholders to buy into the programme, by pooling their resources towards ensuring its success.

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According to him, no pregnant woman or new-born in the state, should be lost to preventable diseases.

The Eagle reports that Governor Peter Mbah’s vision is to make Enugu one of the safest states in Nigeria for maternal and child health.

This much was stated by the Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Dr.IfeyinwaAni-Osheku.

“This programme is not just a meeting; it is about creating community-driven and context-specific solutions for Enugu State to ensure that every woman’s journey through our healthcare system results in a positive outcome,” Dr.Ani-Osheku stated.