The Enugu State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ending maternal and newborn mortality through the implementation of targeted health policies and interventions.
The Commissioner for Health, Prof. Emmanuel Obi, made this known during an event to commemorate the 2025 Safe Motherhood Day, held Tuesday in Enugu.
This year’s theme, “Innovating for Safer Birth: A Collective Responsibility to Crash Maternal Mortality,” emphasized the urgent need for collaborative efforts in tackling the issue.
Prof. Obi said the state is actively addressing barriers to healthcare access, ensuring that every woman is treated with dignity throughout the childbirth process.
He announced that the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week would commence on Wednesday, during which a range of innovative services aimed at protecting mothers and newborns would be rolled out across all public health facilities in the state.
“Several innovations are in place to safeguard the lives of mothers and their children, and we are implementing them with urgency and dedication,” Obi said.
He highlighted ongoing collaboration with local health authorities to ensure safe delivery practices at all 260 Type-2 healthcare centres across the state.
According to the commissioner, the government is leading the charge with robust policies and funding, while calling on health professionals to commit to continuous training and compassionate care.
He also noted the government’s plans to provide solar-powered energy to rural health facilities to ensure uninterrupted services.
Emphasizing the role of technology, Obi advocated for the use of mobile phones to send antenatal care reminders to expectant mothers and to help track missed appointments.
He observed that maternal health risks during pregnancy, labour, and childbirth are global concerns, often resulting in the loss of lives.
“Safe Motherhood Day is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action,” he said. “It’s a day for reflection, renewed commitment, and collective resolve to protect our mothers and their babies.”
While the global observance falls on April 1 each year, Enugu State is commemorating it at this time to align with its ongoing health programmes.
Prof. Obi identified key causes of maternal mortality as haemorrhage, severe anaemia, sepsis, preeclampsia and eclampsia, prolonged or obstructed labour, ruptured uterus, malaria in pregnancy, umbilical cord prolapse, and unsafe abortions.
He urged all pregnant women to attend antenatal care sessions at the nearest public health facility and to accept referrals to higher levels of care when necessary.
Also speaking at the event, Mrs. Augustina Ugwuanyi, Safe Motherhood Coordinator at the Enugu State Ministry of Health, emphasized the importance of adequate nutrition and environmental hygiene during pregnancy.
She advised pregnant women to eliminate stagnant water around their homes to prevent mosquito breeding and to always sleep under insecticide-treated mosquito nets.
