The Rivers State Ministry of Health has commended the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) for inaugurating a team of Advocacy Champions aimed at accelerating the implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Nutrition, and Child Health (AIM-MNCNH) initiatives across the state.
The commendation came from the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Mekele Igwe, during the official inauguration and presentation of certificates to the newly appointed Advocacy Champions in Port Harcourt.
Dr. Igwe highlighted the state government’s renewed commitment to reducing infant and maternal mortality through innovative health interventions, increased community engagement, and improved access to quality healthcare services.
“I commend MWAN for their dedication to maternal and newborn health. This initiative aligns with our state’s commitment to improving health outcomes,” she said. “We thank them for the good work they are doing in Rivers State.”
Also speaking at the event, the National President of MWAN, Professor Rosemary Ogu, urged the Advocacy Champions to use their influence to ensure no woman dies during childbirth.
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“This project is part of our national effort to ensure safe motherhood across Nigeria. You have been selected for your influence in the community. Engage women, encourage them to use health facilities, and help advocate for better funding and resources.”
She further appealed to the champions to work closely with community members and monitor the readiness of healthcare facilities, while also engaging government authorities for adequate budgetary allocations.
“Help the communities, reach out to the people in the communities to use the health facilities. Help us to check the health care facilities if they have all that they need to work.
“Help us to reach, whisper and talk to government for budgetary allocation, budgetary needs must be made and allocations must be released that is where we need help.”
Dr. Cecilia Leloonu Nwibubasa, President of MWAN Rivers State branch, emphasized the importance of the initiative in addressing the state’s high maternal and child mortality rates.
“Statistics show that deaths from childbirth and child infections remain alarmingly high. This inauguration is a step toward strengthening our outreach and advocacy efforts,” she stated. “We are mobilizing community leaders, professionals, and the media to amplify awareness and push for policy changes that can save lives.”
Dr. Nwibubasa called on all stakeholders and well-meaning Nigerians to support the association’s mission to prevent avoidable deaths among mothers and newborns.
“All hands are on deck. We know that maternal deaths are preventable. It’s time to raise our voices and take actions.
“Why should a woman be bleeding while giving birth and dies, why will a pregnant woman be sick to the point of dieing during childbirth. All stakeholders should join their voices to curb maternal and newborn death.
“So we want to see how we can reduce this maternal newborn mortality in our society.”
The Advocacy Champions will serve as community-based influencers, helping to bridge the gap between health institutions, policymakers, and the public in a collective effort to improve maternal and child health outcomes in Rivers State.
