Delta State has achieved a notable decrease in maternal mortality, with rates falling from over 200 to under 120 per 100,000 live births, according to State Health Commissioner Dr. Joseph Onojaeme.
Speaking at the launch of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project Action Plan in Ashaka, Ndokwa East, on Saturday, Onojaeme expressed confidence that the initiative would further lower maternal and child mortality rates.
While praising the dedication of most health workers, he revealed that some have faced penalties for illegally charging pregnant women and children under five, despite the state’s free healthcare policy for these groups. “While most health workers are commendable, a few have been caught extorting patients and billing the government for free services,” Onojaeme said. Several offenders have been sacked or demoted, with ongoing monitoring to ensure proper use of healthcare funds.
He reiterated that pregnant women in Delta State are entitled to free healthcare until delivery, and children under five receive free treatment. Residents were urged to report any health worker demanding payments, with the contact details of the Governor’s Executive Assistant on Health Monitoring to be publicized for complaints.
Dr. John Ovuoraye, representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, affirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting states in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths. He highlighted that 172 local government areas across 33 states, including Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele in Delta, are high-risk zones targeted by the MAMII Project. Supported by President Bola Tinubu, the initiative is backed by USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and European partners.
The event included the presentation of the MAMII plaque to Delta State and the launch of a task force to implement the project’s action plan.
