Cross River, foundation move against infant, maternal mortality

The Cross River government and MTN Foundation as well as other relevant healthcare agencies have pledged to jointly tackle infant and maternal mortality in the state.

The partnership, announced during the MTNF Yellow Heart Health Forum in Calabar, is geared at reducing maternal and child mortality by increasing awareness of the phenomenon and aligning with global efforts to meet the health targets of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Director, MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro noted: “We are very sensitive to challenges within our society and it is against this backdrop that the foundation created a mandate to spend towards improving the state of healthcare, education and economic empowerment. We hope to use the Yellow Heart initiative to address predominant issues such as attitudes and cultural practices that hinder women and children from accessing healthcare services in the society.

The wife of the state governor, Dr. Linda Ayade, commended the foundation for the initiative and other impactful projects commissioned by it in the state.

Her words: “The MTN Foundation deserves to be commended for initiating several interventions in the state, particularly in the area of health. The donation of the Y’ello Doctor mobile clinic, a hemodialysis centre and the renovation of the post-natal ward at the general hospital are among the several impactful initiatives of the foundation in the state and we are sincerely grateful.”

She noted that the initiative aligns with the actions of the current administration in improving healthcare in the state.

She went on: “We founded the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) to channel health and development interventions that will address the needs of the vulnerable and less-privileged in the state. 1000 persons have received dental and eye care, including drugs and laboratory services, we have provided 219 free surgeries, 280 women have received breast and cervical cancer screening, among others.”

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Inyang Asibong, said the programme would greatly improve the health and survival rate of women and children in the state.

“This is a welcome development, as we continue to ensure lasting development for all Cross Riverians through sustainable healthcare, especially for our mothers and children. We invite the MTN Foundation to continue to partner with us in various other aspects of our healthcare delivery system,” she stated.

Asibong added: “In Cross River State, especially the health sector, maternal, newborn and child health issues are paramount. This is evident in the huge reduction of maternal mortality indices from 1,500 to 576, far below the national average.”