Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojeame, yesterday reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to safeguarding the lives and rights of women, newborns, and children across the state.
He made the declaration at the official inauguration of the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Nutrition Health (AIM-MNCNH) project, held in Asaba, the state capital.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Onojeame acknowledged progress in reducing maternal and child mortality but lamented that many women still face avoidable loss and hardship due to preventable complications during childbirth.
“Despite the strides we have made, some women still suffer avoidable loss. Improving maternal and child health requires more than just policies — it needs voices, faces, and trusted influencers who can reach places the system cannot,” the commissioner stated.
He emphasised the government’s resolve to expand reproductive, maternal, newborn, child, and adolescent health services as a vital step towards enhancing healthcare delivery across the state.
A major focus of the inauguration was the fight against Postpartum Haemorrhage (PPH) — the leading cause of maternal death in Nigeria and other developing countries.
Dr. Olive Ogelle, President of the Delta State Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), painted a stark picture, saying PPH claims the life of a mother every four minutes.
“Behind every statistic lies a grieving family and a newborn deprived of maternal care. We must act with urgency,” she said.
Dr. Ogelle explained that proven, evidence-based interventions could reduce PPH cases by as much as 60 per cent.
However, she noted that these life-saving measures are often underutilised due to drug shortages, poor health worker training, and inadequate monitoring systems.
The event also marked the start of a four-year strategic intervention funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The initiative is led by the African Centre for Excellence in Population Health and Policy (ACEPHAP) at Bayero University, Kano, and implemented in collaboration with several partners, including the ACHE Network in Africa, Pathfinder International, MWAN, and the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI).
The project aims to use evidence-based advocacy — known as SMART advocacy — to build a community of health champions and policy influencers. These champions will work to ensure the availability of PPH interventions and equip frontline health workers with the necessary skills.
In her remarks, Dr. Idolenyin Enyi called for comprehensive reforms in the health sector, including the development of stronger primary healthcare systems, improved vaccine coverage, and enhanced health security. She also urged the introduction of the Measles-Rubella vaccine to protect children from preventable diseases further.
