ABIA GOVERNMENT BANS TRADITIONAL CHILDBIRTH PRACTICES

The Abia State government has abolished traditional childbirth practices in the state.

The Deputy Governor, Engr. Ikechukwu Emetu disclosed this during the State’s Taskforceat quarterly Primary Health Care meeting held at Government House, Umuahia.

Engr Emetu who is the Chairman of the committee expressed disgust at such practices, describing it as obnoxious, unhealthy, and a practice that encourages mother and child mortality rate.

A statement signed by Sir Cyril Chukwudi Eke Mba, KSJI, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor said the number two citizen of the state called for collaboration between the state’s Primary Health Care Development Agency and stakeholders such as the religious bodies, traditional institutions and the local authorities to ensure a seamless immunization delivery.

He said that such partnership will overcome cultural and social barriers to immunization, rejection and non-compliance.

According to the statement, the government under the able leadership of Dr. Alex Chioma Otti, OFR, is making giant strides in infrastructural development to foster health care accessibility and prompt delivery.

Speaking at the meeting, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency (ABSPHCDA), Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu expressed happiness over the ongoing construction and equipping of 200 Health Centres across the state by the Governor.

He stated that the facilities when equipped, would be handles by trained health personnel for effective service delivery and expressed confidence in the State’s ability to win the 2025 National Leadership Award in primary health care delivery.

In their goodwill messages, the representatives of World Health Organisation (WHO), United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), appreciated the state government for revolutionising the health sector and pledged their continuous support in vaccine provision, immunization delivery, and other logistics to improve reproductive health, maternal and newborn health, child and adolescent health, and nutrition.

State Director, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr. Victor Orji, Representatives of the Muslim and Christian bodies, Shiek Ali Ukiwo and Rev Ojo Ojo respectively, and other stakeholders attended the meeting.