Delta Restates Commitment  to Curbing Maternal Mortality

Omon-Julius Onabu in Asaba

Delta State Government has reiterated its commitment at curbing maternal mortality in the process of childbirth.

In this regard, the state government assured that it would continue to ensure that children and mothers have unhindered access to free and quality healthcare services across the state.

Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mordi Ononye, gave the assurance in Asaba, the state capital, during the One Day Stakeholders’ Dialogue on the strategies and reforms to improve maternal health capacity. 

It is also aimed at ending preventable maternal and child mortality – the Delta State context organised as part of activities to mark Safe Motherhood Day in the state.

Dr. Ononye, who was represented by Dr. Philomena Okeowo, Permanent Secretary in the Health Ministry, said that Safe Motherhood Day is a day set aside by the World Health Organisation (WHO) to remind all of the need for every woman to have access to regular antenatal care, family planning services and the use of qualified and skilled birth attendants during delivery.

“The state maternal mortality rate of 189 per 100,000 live births in 2020 is not acceptable as it underscored the need for the state to prioritise safe motherhood practices like quality antenatal care, family planning which are pillars of safe motherhood initiative,” Ononye said.

“Let us reaffirm our commitment to promoting safe motherhood. Reducing maternal deaths requires a collective effort from all of us. Governments, healthcare providers, civil society organisations, and individuals must all take responsibility to ensure that every woman has access to quality healthcare services with the view to prevent needless deaths and disabilities and also improve the health and well-being of women and their families,” he added.

A keynote address by Dr. Paul Okubor, Director Hospitals Services/CEO, State Hospitals Management Board was presented by Dr. Lawrence Afinotan.

Guest speaker at the occasion, Dr. Andrew Obi, Associate Professor, Public Health/ HoD, Department of Community Health, Center for Disease Control, University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), dwelt extensively on why women should not die during childbirth.

A discussion session by a panel on prevention of maternal mortality and improving maternal health capacity highlighted the event.