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Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike yesterday declared that the his administration will implement strategic programmes to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in the state.
He made the pledge at the Government House, Port Harcourt, when he received the Head of United Nations Children Fund, UNICEF, Wilbroad Ngambi in his office.
Wike said the current percentage of infant and maternal deaths remain unacceptable, saying there is the need to reduce it to the barest minimum.
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He said that his administration gives priority attention to health issues, especially when the health of children and women are involved.
The governor noted that the state government will release the necessary counterpart funds to UNICEF to enable it implement relevant programmes that will improve the living condition of the people.
“We will collaborate with UNICEF to improve the living condition of our people, especially in the area of reducing infant and maternal mortality,” he said.
The governor directed the Ministries of Water Resources and Environment to work with UNICEF to assess the communities that will benefit from the water and sanitation projects.
Earlier, Ngambi assured that the new office will coordinate activities in Rivers State, Akwa Ibom, Delta and Bayelsa States.
