In a bid to ensure safe and hygienous Child delivery in Ebonyi State Southeast Nigeria, the United States Agency for International Development USAD- Integrated Health Program IHP has donated 10,000 delivery kits to State Government through the Ministry of Health.
The USAID-IHP State Technical Director Mr Oladikpo Akimade disclosed this while handing over the kits to the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Daniel Umezurike, through the Executive Director, Ebonyi State Primary Health Development Agency, EBSPHDA, Dr Alo Chimuhurumnanya at the State Ministry of Health, Abakaliki the State capital.
Mr Oladikpo said, “Childbirth is a joyous event in most Nigerian societies, especially when it results in the birth of a healthy (colloquially known as bouncing) baby by a mother who remains alive and in good health.
“Sadly, in a few instances, things do not turn out as hoped. Mother and/or baby may develop problems, that result in ill health, and rarely, death.”
Oladipo said to reduce these undesirable outcomes, women are being encouraged to deliver in health facilities under the care of skilled health workers, who are kind, and provide good quality services to both woman and baby.
“Sometimes, even women who appreciate the advantages of delivery at health facilities are unable to do so for many reasons. One of these reasons is the inability to procure items that she and her baby will be expected to use at the health facility.
“Therefore, to reduce the burden on families, and serve as an incentive to women delivering in health care facilities, the Mama Kit has been utilized,” he informed.
The Technical Director educated that the Mama Kit is a bag, containing the essentials for a normal delivery, which is given to women who deliver in a health care facility.
In reaction, the State Commissioner Ministry of Health, Dr Daniel Umezurike acknowledged the receipt of the 10,000 kits and thanked USAID-IHP for the good works they have being doing in the State.
Dr Umezurike Promised that the kits Will be distributed to the 212 Primary Health Facilities in the State out of which, 171 are Primary Health Centers, 27 Private Health Facilities while 14 are General Hospitals.
He added that Ebonyi State Government has done well in the General healthcare delivery in the State.
The Executive Director Ebonyi State Primary Health Care Development Agency EBSPHDA, Dr Alo Chimuhurumnanya said the kits would go a long way to reduce the maternal and infants in the State.
Dr Alo appreciated the USAID-IHP partnership so far.
