From Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki
The United States Agency for International Development - Integrated Health Program (USAID-IHP) has donated 10,000 mama kits to the Ebonyi State government to improve access to Primary Health Services and reduce maternal mobility and mortality in the state.
Dr Alo said the kits would be distributed to 171 primary Health Centres, 27 private facilities and 14 general hospitals across the state.
He said the kits when distributed to pregnant women would reduce maternal and infant death in the state.
He explained that maternal death most times occur as a result of poor preparation before delivery, adding that the kits would help the pregnant women to prepare for their delivery and also to go and deliver at the facility.
Alo pointed out that one of the obstacles hindering women from giving birth at health facilities is the inability to provide some basic delivery items that would be required during and after delivery.
He lauded the State Governor, David Umahi for supporting health activities in the state and for creating a conducive environment for them to operate.
Receiving the items on behalf of the state government, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Daniel Umezuruike said the kits would be distributed to pregnant women who delivered in the hospitals.
Dr Umezuruike expressed optimism that the gesture will encourage pregnant women to deliver in the facility, stressing that antennal attendance and registration are free in the state.
He also commended USAID-funded IHP for their kind gesture and assured that the items will be distributed accordingly and that they will get to the end users.
"IHP has provided many interventions in service delivery and with these kits, more pregnant women will deliver in our health facilities", he stated.
