The Anambra Government, in partnership with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other stakeholders, has intensified efforts to eliminate maternal deaths and improve maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
During a stakeholders’ engagement on maternal health performance held on Wednesday in Awka, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safer motherhood initiatives.
Obidike emphasized the state government’s resolve to ensure that no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related causes through strengthened healthcare systems, better planning, and targeted interventions in communities.
“The state is considering a comprehensive household mapping initiative to generate accurate population data, which will improve planning, resource allocation, and healthcare delivery,” he stated.
He added, “This initiative will support evidence-based interventions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates statewide.”
The meeting featured presentations on the June 2026 maternal health performance update by Mrs. Ijeoma Ikeanyionwu, Maternal and Perinatal Death Surveillance and Response (MPDSR) Desk Officer.
Ikeanyionwu reported that Anambra recorded 84.9 percent coverage for the fourth antenatal care visit, 83.2 percent for facility-based deliveries, and 91.8 percent for skilled birth attendance, all exceeding national averages.
She also noted that postnatal care coverage was high, with 73.2 percent for mothers and 71.2 percent for newborns, reflecting continuous improvements in maternal healthcare services.
“Despite these gains, concerns remain about neonatal and child mortality, as well as gaps in death reporting between the District Health Information System and MPDSR platforms,” she explained. “Discrepancies suggest under-reporting of maternal and neonatal deaths in some areas.”
The State Immunisation Officer, Mrs. Edith Onwuka, discussed ongoing efforts to strengthen immunisation coverage through primary healthcare service champions and community-based health interventions.
Onwuka identified challenges such as cold chain failures, digital reporting gaps, and an increasing number of zero-dose children in some local government areas.
The State Epidemiologist, Dr. Chuma Emembolu, provided updates on disease surveillance activities, noting active monitoring of measles, yellow fever, acute flaccid paralysis, Lassa fever, and Mpox.
Representing UNICEF, the Health Manager, Mr. Martin Dohlshen, stressed the importance of strengthening maternal and child health systems, improving data quality, and enhancing service delivery.
UNICEF Health Systems Specialist, Dr. Emmanuel Emedo, praised the progress but highlighted the need for better data management. He pointed out that the “Black Book” reporting system faces challenges and called for accurate birth registration, improved record-keeping, and stronger disease surveillance across the state.
Stakeholders agreed to implement measures to improve emergency obstetric care, referral systems, disease surveillance infrastructure, and primary healthcare services throughout Anambra.
