ASABA/Nigeria: Delta State Governor, Sheriff Oborevwori, has drawn attention to critical issues plaguing the healthcare system that contribute to the alarming rates of maternal and child mortality in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of the 2023 Maternal and Newborn Health Week in Asaba, the governor identified various factors, including insufficient healthcare professionals, substandard quality of care, underutilization of available health facilities, and limited access to essential medicines.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that ensuring accessible and affordable healthcare for mothers, newborns, and children is an indispensable aspect of any effective and sustainable primary healthcare policy. In acknowledgment of the significance of maternal and child survival and well-being, previous administrations in Delta State have implemented free healthcare services for pregnant women and children under the age of five.
Building on these efforts, Governor Oborevwori pledged to not only maintain the provision of free healthcare for pregnant women and young children but also enhance the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) services in the state. Disturbingly, global statistics reveal that Nigeria currently holds one of the highest maternal and newborn mortality rates worldwide, surpassing even India’s figures since 2015, despite having a significantly smaller population.
Governor Oborevwori emphasized that the persistently high maternal and child mortality rates in Nigeria stem from systemic gaps and challenges within the healthcare sector. These challenges include inadequate staffing, substandard care quality, underutilization of available health facilities, and limited access to vital medications. Other contributing factors comprise inadequate nutrition, complex pregnancy-related ailments, and the exorbitant out-of-pocket expenses borne by patients at the point of service.
Governor Oborevwori stressed that meeting global targets for maternal, newborn, and child health necessitates the involvement of all stakeholders, not solely the government. He assured that the Delta State Government will continue its efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure throughout the state and expand the health insurance scheme to encompass a greater portion of the informal sector. Additionally, policies and programs aimed at fostering economic prosperity among the population will be implemented to enable individuals to invest in quality nutrition.
The governor called upon women to actively participate in and adopt healthy social habits that enhance their well-being, such as breastfeeding, regular exercise, and abstaining from illicit drugs. Governor Oborevwori expressed his hope that citizens of Delta State would take advantage of the week-long program to access basic primary healthcare services conveniently located near their homes and workplaces. He emphasized the importance of mothers and caregivers bringing newborns and children under the age of five to Primary Health Centers and other outreach facilities to benefit from these vital health services, thereby reducing medical complications, emergencies, and avoidable deaths.
Furthermore, Governor Oborevwori sought the support of Local Government Council Chairmen, traditional leaders, religious figures, and community influencers in engaging and mobilizing their constituents to actively participate in this health initiative. He extended his appreciation to various partners in the healthcare sector who have consistently collaborated with the state government to achieve the Universal Health Coverage mandate set forth by the United Nations.
Dr. Philomena Okeowo, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, explained that the objective of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week is to enhance the health status of women and children by expanding the coverage of essential interventions. She noted the significant progress made by Delta State over the years, with Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) dropping to below 200 deaths per 100,000 live births and Child Mortality Ratio (CMR) decreasing to 53 deaths per 1,000 live births.
Dr. Faith Ireye, the Delta State World Bank Coordinator, praised the State Government’s commitment to ensuring the survival of mothers and children, exemplified by the successful implementation of Primary Health Care services in the state. She highlighted the notable reduction in the incidence of maternal and childhood diseases, including an 82 percent decrease in confirmed measles cases in 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
