The House of Representatives member representing Ohaozara, Ivo and Onicha (OHANIVO) Federal Constituency, Hon. Nkemkama Kama, has called on the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) to intensify grassroots advocacy on maternal and child health, especially in rural areas of Ebonyi State.
Kama made the appeal on Friday when members of the Ebonyi State Chapter of NAWOJ paid him a courtesy visit in Abakaliki.
Expressing concern over what he described as a worrisome rise in maternal mortality in Ishiagu and Ohaukwu Local Government Areas, the lawmaker urged NAWOJ to leverage its influence in the media to raise awareness and mobilize stakeholders to address the crisis.
“The mortality rate is terribly high, especially in Ishiagu. No woman should die because she is bringing life into the world. That is unacceptable,” Kama lamented.
He disclosed that plans are underway to upgrade the General Hospital in Ishiagu and pursue the establishment of a Federal Medical Centre (FMC) in the area. According to him, this will ensure better access to quality healthcare services for rural dwellers, particularly women and children.
Kama urged NAWOJ to collaborate with the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health and relevant development partners to sustain public enlightenment campaigns on safe delivery, antenatal care, and women’s welfare.
“I want you, as women journalists, to take up advocacy on this issue. Engage the Commissioner for Health and other stakeholders to find ways of reducing maternal deaths in our communities,” he charged.
The lawmaker reaffirmed his commitment to supporting NAWOJ’s programmes that promote women’s empowerment, healthcare awareness, and community development within his constituency.
In her response, the Chairperson of Ebonyi NAWOJ, Comrade Nkechinyere Oginyi, commended Hon. Kama for his proactive efforts toward improving healthcare delivery and his concern for women’s welfare.
“We appreciate your passion for the wellbeing of women and your emphasis on quality healthcare. NAWOJ will take up the challenge by partnering with the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders to raise awareness and advocate for improved maternal health in Ishiagu and beyond,” Oginyi assured.
She added that NAWOJ will continue to use its media platforms to highlight maternal health challenges and amplify the voices of women in rural communities who often lack access to essential healthcare services.
