MNCH Week: Mrs Otti Reiterates Abia Govt’s Determination to Reduce Maternal, Child, Mortality

The wife of Abia State Governor, Mrs. Priscilla Otti, has underscored the state Government’s determination to reduce maternal and child mortality caused by preventable conditions.

Mrs Otti was speaking at the launch of the 2025 Round One Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Abia State held at Umuahia North Council Headquarters.

Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Governor’s wife noted that the day’s sensitization and intervention efforts were part of a broader commitment to ensure that no woman or child dies from avoidable causes in Abia.

“Any initiative that will reduce the mortality rate among mothers and children is not just welcome—it is necessary, and it has the full support of Governor Alex Otti,” she affirmed.

She urged mothers to make use of the equipped and renovated primary healthcare centers within their communities, exclusively breastfeed their newborns, and avoid patronizing unqualified medical practitioners.

The Governor’s wife called on health workers to embrace continuous learning and practical skill-building to serve the people better.

Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, represented the Governor’s wife

She further appealed to the media and traditional rulers to become agents of change by mobilizing women to seek proper care in primary healthcare centers, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare professionals and improving health outcomes across communities.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Felix, highlighted the inter-ministerial and inter-agency collaboration powering the MNCH Week.

According to her, the partnership between the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and development partners like UNICEF, WHO, and PanAfricare is a testament to shared commitment.

“This Week is more than a program – it is an impactful intervention that aligns with our vision of a fair, inclusive, and functional social protection system,” she noted.

“By giving mothers and children access to healthcare, nutrition, immunization, and education, we are building a foundation for reduced poverty, lower unemployment, and a more harmonious society.”

On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, described the MNCH Week as a “clarion call for collective action to ensure mothers and children live healthy, fulfilling lives.”

Prof. Enoch Uche, Honourable Commissioner for Health, Abia State.

Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized that the MNCH Week delivers a proven package of basic, life-saving interventions. These include vitamin A supplementation, immunization catch-up, tetanus-diphtheria vaccination for pregnant women, deworming, malnutrition screening for children under five, antenatal care, and breastfeeding education.

Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary, Abia Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

“The implementation of the 2025 MNCH Week is a clear testament to our government’s commitment to the well-being of Abia’s most vulnerable populations,” Dr. Kalu affirmed.

In their goodwill messages, representatives of UNICEF, WHO, PanAfricare, and other development partners commended Abia State’s focused investment in maternal and child health.

They expressed optimism that these collaborative efforts will significantly reduce preventable diseases and foster a healthier future for women and children across the state.

It was gathered that the 2025 Round One Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Abia State began joyously with the safe delivery of a bouncing baby boy by Mrs. Success Solomon from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, during the flag-off ceremony at Umuahia North.