By Victor Nwegede, Abakaliki.
The Ebonyi State Government, in partnership with stakeholders in the health sector, on Tuesday inaugurated the Accelerating the Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child and Nutrition Health (AIM MNCNH) Advocacy Champions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality across the state.
The event, which took place at the Impact Hall, Ministry of Health, Centenary City, Abakaliki, brought together government officials, medical experts, advocacy groups, and traditional leaders in a concerted move to transform maternal and child healthcare delivery in Ebonyi.
Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, who was among those inaugurated as an AIM MNCNH Champion, stated that the state has made significant progress in addressing critical health challenges through deliberate reforms introduced by Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“In the past, the major challenge was the lack of political will. Today, that narrative has changed. The Governor’s commitment, alongside the efforts of the First Lady through her BERWO pet project, has led to massive improvements in manpower, equipment, and access to essential medicines,” Ekuma said.
He noted that health workers are now not only adequately employed but also incentivized, with facilities better equipped to serve patients, adding that essential drugs are readily available, and the state's health insurance scheme has expanded coverage, allowing more residents to access treatment without upfront payment.
Ekuma highlighted the impact on maternal health, saying: “Maternal mortality, which was once as high as 800 deaths per 100,000 live births, has dropped to around 400. This is significant progress in just two years under Governor Nwifuru’s administration.”
The Commissioner emphasized the government’s investments in ambulance services, road infrastructure, and grassroots advocacy as crucial enablers for emergency response and increased hospital deliveries.
Representing Dr Rosemary Ogu - the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) National President, Dr Amaka Onubogu commended the state’s dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes.
"Ebonyi’s bold commitment in the face of challenges is a testament to the courage of its health advocates. These champions are not symbolic; they are strategic voices for the voiceless and agents of hope,” she stated.
She called on the newly inaugurated champions to ground their advocacy in compassion, evidence, and purpose.
The Ebonyi State President of MWAN, Dr Ndidiamaka Nwobashi, emphasized the urgency of the initiative, noting that Nigeria contributes about 28.5% of global maternal deaths, largely due to poor implementation of life-saving innovations.
“This project seeks to scale up interventions like the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage through a multi-stakeholder approach. The champions will lead awareness and policy advocacy at all levels throughout the project duration from 2024 to 2028,” she explained.
Chief Medical Director of David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, Prof Mary-Rose Agwu, expressed personal passion for the initiative, recounting her own life-threatening childbirth experience as a driving force behind her commitment.
“We must ensure no woman dies while giving life. The changes are real, and with continued support from the Governor, we will lead the health sector reform in Nigeria,” she said.
In her remarks, Dr Asumpta Nnenna Nweke, who provided a historical context of MWAN and the AIM MNCNH project spearheaded by Pathfinder International, stressed the importance of early intervention in postpartum hemorrhage. She highlighted the role of health workers, religious leaders, and community advocates in spreading awareness and encouraging hospital-based care.
“From oxytocin use to simply massaging the womb after childbirth, these actions can save lives. But first, we must raise the alarm and get help. No one person should handle postpartum hemorrhage alone,” she said.
Other notable speakers included Permanent Secretary of the State Ministry of Health, Lawrence Ezeugo; Chairman of the Nigerian Medical Association in Ebonyi State, Dr Charles Maduba; and traditional ruler Eze Sunday Oketa of Nkaliki Echara, among others who pledged support for the advocacy campaign.
The newly inaugurated AIM MNCNH Advocacy Champions included Commissioner Dr Moses Ekuma, Prof Nkechi Emmanuel Echiegu, Eze Sunday Oketa, Dr Divine Igwe , Prof Mary-Rose Agwu, Dr Bobbie Iwe, Rev Rita Okpaku, Nkechi Oginyi, Chetachi Utuslor, Barr Melva Uguru, and Scientist Lucy Ogodo.
Recall that the AIM MNCNH project, implemented by Pathfinder International in collaboration with CCSI, ACEPHAP, and other partners, will run from 2024 to 2028. It aims to consolidate ongoing efforts to drastically reduce maternal and child mortality and improve nutrition health outcomes in Ebonyi State and beyond.
