Commissioner for health seeks collaboration of stakeholders to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rate in Kogi
The Kogi State Commissioner for Health Dr Adams Abdulazeez has called on
healthcare professionals, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and government officials to join hands in order to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rate in the State.
Dr Abdulazeez made the call while declaring open Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction and Innovation held in Lokoja the State capital.
According to him , each and every one of the critical stakeholders has a crucial role to play in achieving the goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality.
“As we all know, maternal and neonatal mortality rates in our state are unacceptably high. Every year, we lose too many mothers and too many newborns due to preventable causes.
“This not only devastates families, but it also has a significant impact on our society and economy. We cannot continue to let this happen. That is why this health program, which has been organized in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health and our partners, is of utmost importance.
“Over the next few days, we will be discussing and exchanging ideas on how we can work together to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in our state.
“We have a diverse group of participants here, including healthcare professionals, religious leaders, traditional rulers, community leaders and government officials. Each and every one of you has a crucial role to play in achieving our goal of reducing maternal and neonatal mortality” he stated.
The Commissioner for Health who was represented by a Permanent Secretary in Ministry Mr Azeez Momoh while appreciating President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for establishing SWAP program that is changing and transforming the Health Sector across Nigeria, the Commissioner for Health also seize the opportunity to thank the Chief Servant of Kogi State, His Excellency, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, who has prioritized healthcare system in Kogi state.
“Governor Ododo firmly believes that a healthy population is the backbone of any thriving society, and he has been working tirelessly to ensure that the people of Kogi State have access to quality healthcare services.
“Under his leadership, we have seen remarkable developments in the health sector which has resulted in a significant improvement in the delivery of healthcare services across the state” he stated
He charged all the participants to engage constructively and contribute to tangible solutions that will reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in Kogi State.
“I wish you all a successful and productive discussion, and I look forward to the outcomes that will emerge from this gathering” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health in an interview with journalists described the programme as timely, noting that the State Government in collaboration with Federal Government would work hand in hand in ensuring that the high mortality rate is reduced to the barest minimum.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary Kogi State Health Insurance Agency, Dr Adekunle Aledare, assured that the agency under his leadership would play its role of ensuring that maternal and neonatal mortality rate is reduced drastically in the state.