Stakeholders in health sector in Delta State have gathered in Asaba to develop a comprehensive implementation plan for the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project.
The project which is a federal government-led initiative seeks to address the underlying causes of maternal and neonatal deaths by focusing on areas such as access to quality healthcare and provision of timely medical interventions.
Declaring the ceremony open, Delta State Commissioner for health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme said Delta State had started strengthening maternal and child health services through improved primary healthcare infrastructure, deployment of skilled birth attendants, and active engagement of community leaders to champion safe motherhood practices.
While reaffirming the commitment of the Delta state government to reducing maternal and neonatal mortality , Dr Onojaeme hinted that the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project targets a 60 per cent increase in health facility utilization and skilled birth attendance, to reduce maternal mortality by at least 30 per cent within three years.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry of health, Dr Philomena Okeowo, the Delta State Commissioner for health, expressed delight that Delta State was among the MAMII Project implementing states, and was determined to lead by example.
Dr Onojaeme said the stakeholders gathering would build consensus on implementation strategies for the MAMII initiative, align partner contributions, and prepare for field visits to priority communities, translating strategies into tangible actions that will save lives.
He stated further, ” This workshop is not merely a meeting but a call to action action. There is need for collaboration among government agencies, development partners and local stakeholders ”
”Empowering ward development committees to track pregnancies and encourage facility- based care is crucial to achieving sustainable reductions in maternal and neonatal deaths ”, Dr Onojaeme asserted.
In a remark, the representative of the Sector Wide Approach National Coordinator, Dr Tosin Ilesanmi said the body was committed to innovation, collaboration, and evidence-based strategies that will deliver real improvements in maternal and child health outcomes in Nigeria.
Dr Ilesanmi, who is a Sexual and Reproductive Health Specialist, highlighted the MAMII Project’ focus on addressing the five delays responsible for maternal and newborn fatalities, to include delays in seeking care, reaching care, receiving care, taking responsibility, and ensuring proper coordination.
There were goodwill messages from key stakeholders including healthcare experts, development partners, and traditional institutions.
The five- day workshop on Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project, is expected to create actionable strategies that address the specific health challenges faced in Delta State , and outline the roles of various partners and stakeholders , and come up with a clear and strategic plan for rolling out the project in the state.
