The Enugu State Government has reiterated its dedication to eradicating maternal and newborn mortality through various health policies and interventions.
The state’s Commissioner for Health, Professor Emmanuel Obi, gave the assurance during an event marking the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, held on Tuesday in Enugu.
The theme of the event was “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality.”
Obi explained that the state was addressing the gaps in healthcare access to protect the dignity and wellbeing of every woman during childbirth.
He announced that the Ministry of Health would begin the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week on Wednesday, during which key innovations aimed at safeguarding mothers and their babies would be implemented across the state.
“Several innovations are in place for save mothers and children and these are earnestly being implemented by this administration for the betterment of our people,” he said.
Obi noted that public health services during the health week would be accessible in all government health facilities across the state.
“We have been working with the local healthcare authorities to ensure that healthcare deliveries are made totally safe for our mothers and children with the interventions at all the 260-type 2 healthcare centres,” he added.
The Commissioner emphasised that the government must lead with sound policies and adequate funding, while health professionals must commit to lifelong learning and compassionate service.
He also revealed that the government was working to ensure stable electricity in rural health centres through the installation of solar energy devices.
Also Read: Enugu to Upgrade Health Centres to Curb Maternal, Newborn Deaths
Obi highlighted the importance of leveraging mobile phones to remind pregnant women of antenatal appointments and to trace defaulters.
He expressed concern over the risks women face globally during pregnancy and childbirth, which in many cases can lead to fatal outcomes.
“Safe Motherhood Day is not just a celebration, but a clarion call for action,” he stressed.
“It is a day of reflection, recommitment and renewed effort towards safeguarding the lives of our mothers and newborns. The annual global celebration holds on April 1, but in Enugu State we are celebrating it today to match with the health programmes of the state.”
Obi identified the leading causes of maternal mortality to include haemorrhage, severe anaemia, sepsis, preeclampsia and eclampsia, prolonged or obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, malaria during pregnancy, cord prolapse, and unsafe abortions.
He urged expectant mothers to consistently attend antenatal care at the nearest public health facilities and to comply with referrals for advanced care when necessary.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs Augustina Ugwuanyi, Safe Motherhood Coordinator at the Enugu State Ministry of Health, said the event aimed to raise awareness among pregnant women on proper nutrition and hygiene.
She advised them to keep their environment clean and avoid stagnant water to prevent mosquito breeding.
Ugwuanyi further encouraged the use of mosquito bed nets to protect both mothers and unborn babies from malaria and other vector-borne diseases.
