Abia State Governor, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has said that his administration has reduced infant and maternal mortality in Abia State by 71 percent.
This is even as he lamented the falling life expectancy of Nigerians, but assured that through his administration’s health policies, Abians would enjoy healthier and longer years on earth.
Ikpeazu stated these in Umuahia during the distribution of medical and hospital equipment to selected hospitals in 17 LGAs of the State.
He explained that the distributed medical equipment were as a result of partnership between his administration and a diaspora group, Project Cure Initiative as well as donor agencies, adding that healthcare of Abians was of utmost interest to him.
The Governor, who charged concerned healthcare authorities in the State to utilise the donated materials for effective healthcare delivery, urged Abians to key into various health policies of his administration.
He warned that the items must not be stolen or misused as inspectors would be sent to monitor their utilization.
“Whatever that we have been doing that has reduced infant and maternal mortality by 71% is worthy of note and should be continued. Our intention is to improve the life expectancy of Ndi Abia and we have carefully crafted a pathway that can enable us achieve it”, Ikpeazu said.
He further disclosed that ninety eight percent areas of the State have so far been covered in immunization exercises while enrollment of pregnant women and their visitation frequency to primary healthcare centres across the State had equally increased.
Equipment distributed during the event included patient monitors, hospital beds, mattress, general consumables, wheelchairs, examination coaches and delivery tables.
Others were exercising devices for physio-therapy/operations, oxygen cylinders, theatre lights, CT scans, office chairs, trolleys, baby coaches, vital sign monitors among others.
Receiving the materials, the executive secretary of Abia State primary healthcare development agency, Dr. Chinagozi Adindu appreciated the Governor for his efforts and assured that the items would be utilized.
