• Reiterates State Govt’s efforts in solidifying initiative
By Christy Emeka
An initiative of the Federal Government championed by the Federal Ministry of Health to end maternal mortality; Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation, Initiative, MAMII, has been activated in Imo State.
This took place on Saturday at Umuohiagu Health Center in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, which is its first port of call in the state, for the beginning of the programme, as the mortality rate is said to be more predominant at the LGA.
A document on how to end the maternal Mortality in the state was mapped out by the National Coordinator of the initiative, and handed over to the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu for implementation.
A State taskforce steering committee charged with responsibility of implementing the recommendations, were also set up with the Commissioner as the Chairperson.
Speaking the National Coordinator of the Initiative, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, stated that there is high maternal mortality rate in the country, as one woman die every two minutes in the course of giving birth to her baby.
This, he said is not acceptable to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which is why he has given a mandate to the Honourable Minister of Health to come up with an initiative that will ensure that every woman gives birth successfully all over the country.
He continued, “this is what has given birth to the initiative, Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation, Initiative, MAMII, through the Ministry of the Honourable Minister for Health. So we have looked at where the deaths are more prevalent, and discovered that is more in 172 LGAs in the country, which Imo has 3 LGAs with such record. One of it is – Umuohiagu community which is why we are here.
“We have discovered for the past 4 days why women are dying during child birth, which one of it is that – women don’t go to the hospital to give birth, instead they prefer other means that are not safe for them. We therefore advised the women not just to go for antenatals but to also go to the same hospital for delivery.
“Another issue we discovered is transportation, but the state government in collaboration with the federal government have made available a free line to call, to come and carry the pregnant women to the hospital when they don’t have transport to do so during child birth,’ Adeyanju disclosed.
Governor Hope Uzodimma he said is doing a great job in Imo when it comes to the health facilities, adding that for the ones that are still not up to standard that the federal government will take care of them.
“The governor has made available free health insurance package for pregnant women, and children, but the issue is that most women have not registered to access it, as when they register they will be given tonic and Mama kit free of charge. The federal government has also made available free cesarian operations for pregnant women.
“After our findings, we have come up with a clear road map to clash maternal mortality in Imo, which I am confident the Governor and Commissioner for Health will implement,’ asserted.
In response, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Chioma Egu who confirmed that they have been on the programme since Tuesday just to make sure it was a success, asserted that it is a great Honor for them to have witnessed the activation of the maternal mortality reduction innovation initiative here in the state, particularly in the Umuohiagu Health Center in Ngor Okpala LGA.
She on behalf of the Governor of the state, expressed profound appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and to the Honourable Minister of Health who she re-echoed that his vision and commitment to safe motherhood has given birth to the national initiative.
Dr Egu also recognized the “tireless efforts”of the National Coordinator of the Program, Dr. Dayo Adeyodun in guiding the innovative programme with passion and focus.
She reiterated,, “The initiative is a call to action which reminds us that no woman should die while giving birth. It brings new energy, innovation and community centered strategies, to ensure safe pregnance, and safer deliveries for our mothers across Nigeria.
“For us in Imo State, this activation is timely as it will strengthen our primary health system, equip our health workers and bring life saving care closer to the women who need it most. So I therefore call on the community leaders, traditional rulers and all stakeholders to encourage the women to utilize the services.
“To our health workers, your dedication will be the heart of the programme. To the mothers and young women, the initiative is for you, so do attend you antenatal care sessions, deliver in safe hands, and spread the word that maternal death is preventable. The governor has already put in place this free health insurance structures for the women, and so this effort of the federal government is just to fortify it
“Imo State is fully committed in supporting the national efforts, and we will work hand in gloves with the Federal ministry of health, and the coordinating team in ensuring that our state maternal mortality becomes history, ‘Dr Egu assured.
There were testimonies from women who through the free health insurance scheme had given birth to their babies safely.
She appreciated all their partners, World Health Organization, Nigeria Red Cross, loyal fathers, community leaders, Councillor representing the Ward, Hon. Una Eke, She specially thanked the National Coordinator, SA to the Governor Primary Health, Perm Secretary of the Ministry, CEO of Heartland Hospital Management Corporation, Chief Medical Director of Imo State Specialist Hospital, the Imam of Imo State, among others for their efforts in seeing that the programme was a success.
Announcer Express gathered that MAMII has been activated in 21 states, out of the 33 States maternal mortality rate is prevalent in.
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