Cross River restates commitment to fighting maternal, neonatal deaths

The government of Cross River state has restated its commitment to fighting maternal and neonatal deaths which, it said, normally occur as a result of preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction.

Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, made the pledge, Thursday, during the flag-off of a  week-long awareness campaign on preeclampsia, organised by the state chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) with the theme: ‘Preeclampsia: The Unforeseen Enemy at the Door.’

Speaking, Dr Ayuk said Governor Bassey Otu-led administration was determined to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns through sustained investments in the healthcare sector.

Ayuk noted that maternal health remained a central pillar of the state’s People First Agenda, adding that the Ministry of Health was implementing comprehensive reforms focused on revitalising health facilities, strengthening service delivery, and ensuring that quality, life-saving maternal healthcare is accessible to all women across the state.

While stating the need for strong regulatory systems and modern healthcare infrastructure, Syuk said: “The future of healthcare is digital, and Cross River state is taking deliberate steps to position itself at the forefront of that transformation.

“We are integrating advanced healthcare management systems, revamping our infrastructure, and enforcing regulatory standards to ensure that obstetric emergencies are managed with modern equipment and standardised procedures across all 18 local government areas.”