Anifowose Samson
Ebonyi State government has inaugurated an AIM MNCNH Advocacy Champions with a charge to advocate for enabling policies and budgetary commitment to scale MNCNH innovations in the State.
The event is tagged Accelerating the Implementation of Maternal Newborn Nutrition Health (AIM-MNCNH). Advocacy champions took place at the state ministry of health, Abakaliki, which had critical stakeholders in the health sector, traditional rulers, media and religious bodies as members.
The AIM MNCNH project, implemented by Pathfinder International in collaboration with CCSI, ACEPHAP, and other partners, will run from 2024 to 2028. It aims to consolidate ongoing efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality and improve nutrition and health outcomes in Ebonyi State and beyond.
The chairman of the advocacy group and commissioner for health in Ebonyi state, Dr. Moses Ekuma, in his remarks, highlighted the efforts the state has made in tackling critical health challenges under the leadership of Governor Francis Nwifuru.
“In the past, the major challenge was the lack of political will. Today, that narrative has changed. Through the Governor’s commitment and the First Lady’s pet project BERWO initiative, we’ve seen significant improvements in workforce development, medical equipment, and access to essential medicines,”.
The Commissioner added that health workers are now adequately employed and incentivised, “health facilities are better equipped, and the state’s health insurance scheme has expanded, allowing more residents to access care without upfront payment.
He noted a remarkable improvement in maternal health statistics: “Maternal mortality, which once stood at 800 deaths per 100,000 live births, has dropped to around 400—significant progress within just two years.”
He also pointed to increased investments in ambulance services, road infrastructure, and grassroots awareness campaigns as vital to the state’s improved emergency response and hospital delivery rates.
Dr. Lilian Ndidiamaka Nwobashi, MWAN Ebonyi State President, stressed the urgency of the initiative, noting that Nigeria accounts for approximately 28.5% of global maternal deaths, mainly due to poor implementation of proven, life-saving interventions.
“This project aims to scale up efforts such as preventing postpartum haemorrhage through a multi-stakeholder approach. The champions will spearhead awareness campaigns and policy advocacy from 2024 to 2028,”.
She further charged the champions to Advocate for enabling policies and budgetary commitment to scale MNCNH innovations in Ebonyi State, mobilise support for community, state, and national stakeholders, and promote early detection and timely treatment of PPH using evidence-based protocols and Raise awareness on key Matnanal health days and care paigns, especially at the grassroots levels
Dr. Rosemary Ogu, National President of the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN), and Dr. Amaka Onubogu commended Ebonyi State’s bold efforts, describing the champions as: “Strategic voices for the voiceless and agents of hope. Their advocacy must be rooted in compassion, evidence, and purpose.”
Mary-Rose Agwu, Chief Medical Director of David Umahi Federal Teaching Hospital, shared a personal story of surviving a life-threatening childbirth experience, underscoring her dedication to the cause:
“No woman should die while giving life. The changes we are seeing are real. With sustained government support, Ebonyi will lead health sector reform in Nigeria.
In her submission, Dr. Asumpta Nnenna Nweke emphasised the importance of early intervention in postpartum haemorrhage and the critical role of health workers, religious leaders, and community advocates in promoting hospital-based care.
“From administering oxytocin to massaging the uterus after childbirth—simple, timely actions save lives. But awareness and quick response are key,”.
