As part of efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality, the Delta State Government has inaugurated the Accelerated Implementation of Maternal Newborn, Child and Nutrition Health (AIM-MNCH) Champions.
Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme, while inaugurating the AIM-MNCH Champions at the Prof. Chike Edozien Secretariat Complex, Asaba, on Wednesday, charged the champions to serve as advocates for quality care, respectful services, and life-saving interventions.
“As we invest you today, we do so with the expectation that you will serve as Champions with a difference—advocating for quality care, respectful services, increased uptake of Llfe-saving interventions…”
The Health Commissioner, represented by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Dr. Philomena Okeowo, emphasized that the investiture marked the beginning of a renewed movement for maternal and child survival in Delta State which, according to him, is driven by the collective efforts of the champions and the government.
He said the champions were expected to advocate for increased uptake of life-saving interventions, including family planning and skilled birth attendance, and protect the rights of women and children to survive and thrive.
While expressing the commitment of the Delta State Government to collaborate with the champions in order to achieve improved healthcare outcomes and reduce maternal and child mortality in the state, the health commissioner disclosed that the newly Inaugurated Maternal and Child Health Champions, comprised of traditional rulers, religious leaders, healthcare providers, media professionals, and civil society actors.
He expressed optimism that they would leverage their influence to shift mindsets, mobilize action, and strengthen accountability in maternal and child health.
Dr. Onjaeme who disclosed that the Delta State Government had made significant strides in improving healthcare outcomes, including the implementation of the Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) system and the expansion of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health (RMNCAH) services, stated that the event was “a collective declaration of our commitment to safeguarding the lives of women, newborns, and children across our state.”
Earlier in a welcome address, the President of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Delta State Chapter, Dr. Olive Ogelle lamented the alarming rate of maternal deaths due to postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in the country.
Dr. Ogelle emphasized that PPH was the leading cause of maternal mortality in developing countries, including Nigeria, adding that they would collectively continue to lead the advocacy to advance the health of women and children particularly the girl child.
“Postpartum hemorrhage remains the single largest cause of maternal death in developing countries inclusive of Nigeria, claiming the life of a mother every four minutes. More importantly, behind each statistic, is a family plunged into grief, a newborn deprived of a mother’s care, and a nation set back in its social and economic progress,” Dr. Ogelle said.
Also speaking, one of the inaugurated Maternal and Child Health Champions, Chinwe Oduah, Esq emphasized the need for a collaborative approach to achieve the initiative’s objectives, saying that their appointment was a call to service, even as she expressed gratitude to her fellow champions for accepting the challenge.
Highlight of the event was the presentation of award certificates of Maternal, Neonatal and Child Nutrition Advocacy Champions which included the Head of Service, Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji, Commissioner for Women Affairs, Hon. Dr. Pat Ajudua, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowo and her counterpart in the Hospital Management Board, Dr. Paul Okubor.
Others are the Vice President, Zone F, Nigeria Association of Women Journalist and Director, Production and Production Services, Ministry of Information, Comrade Stella Macaulay, immediate past State Coordinator, WHO, Dr. (Mrs) Faith Ireye, HRM, Chief Magistrate lyobosa Eshemitan, the Queen of Oghara Kingdom, Amb Eris Jewo Ibi – Executive Director Working Fingers International Initiative, among others.
