From Isaac Job, Uyo
Medical Practitioners under the aegis of Gynaecologists and Obstetricians Society of Nigeria (SIGON) have urged the federal government to tackle infant mortality ratio to enhance holistic economic and health growths of the nation .
Speaking during the 58th Annual General Meeting And Scientific Conference of the society held in Uyo , Akwa state capital on Thursday on the theme” Sustaining Quality Material Child Health in a Challenging Economy” , president of the society Prof Okechukwu Ikpeme explained that there must be collaboration between government with Gynaecologists and Obstetricians to provide insights into industrial advancement of the nation .
Ikpeze particularly acknowledged Akwa state government’s contributions to maternal and child health, especially, through the Office of the First Lady .
” Infant mortality rate must be reduced if not completely eradicated. Health is also an index of growth of the economy . Therefore government must tackle it immediately.”
Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Umo Eno who was represented by the Deputy Senator Akon Eyaenyi reiterated his administration’s resolve to improving healthcare delivery in the state, especially, in rural areas.
Eno said he remains committed to reducing infant and maternal mortality, by ensuring that pregnant women and newborns receive quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and post natal periods.
While commending the leadership of SOGON for hosting its 58th AGM in Akwa Ibom State, Eno assured that the state government will continue to provide modern healthcare facilities in the State, for the benefit of the people.
“As I speak, we have already commissioned some model health centres, equipped with modern facilities, power supply and staff quarters, while many others are at advanced stages of completion. Before the end of next year, each Local Government Area of this State will have at least, one model health centre.
“With these facilities at the grassroots, there will be improved access to healthcare and a substantial reduction in the rates of maternal and neonatal mortality.
“Our goal is to align with the vision of the World Health Organization, where every pregnant woman and newborn baby receives quality care throughout pregnancy, childbirth and post natal period.
We are also consciously in pursuit of goal 3.1 of the Sustainable Development Goals, of reducing maternal mortality ratio to less than seven per every 100,000 births by 2030.
There is no gainsaying that, with these facilities sited in the grassroots, the issue of pregnant women delivering at home, courtesy of untrained traditional bed attendants, will be largely addressed”, he said.
