Volunteers and Health Officers in the state have been urged to fight against continued existence of traditional birth deliveries in the state.
UNICEF Desk Officer, Mrs Chineze George-Ileka, made the call at Otuocha during the training of Volunteer Community Mobilisers (VCMs) and Health Officers on the fight against unhealthy hygiene habits, morbidity and mortality in Anambra.
Mrs George-Ileka noted that most pregnant women still patronise traditional birth attendants and risk their lives and those of their babies, adding that it is the duty of Health officers to educate and sensitise their communities, especially women and expectant mothers on the importance of antenatal checks and deliveries at healthcare facilities.
She said that the nurses know how best to manage delivery challenges to avoid risks or deaths, and enjoined the VCMs and Health Officers to teach women the importance of giving their babies and children adequate immunisation, keeping their bodies and surroundings clean to avoid diseases and infections.
Mrs George-Ileka, however, expressed displeasure at unhealthy challenges faced by pregnant women in the area which include lack of drugs, unfair charges and lack of delivery kits.
She then, called on the Transition Committee Chairman, Anambra East, Mr Pius Ifeadi and Head, Department of Health, Dr Edozie Ezedinachi, to strategise on ways of equipping the health facilities.
A UNICEF Patron, Sir Maurice Anetoh, reiterated measures taken by his Local Government, Anaocha to meet the required standards which are keeping the health centres clean, monitoring workers’ punctuality and equipping the health centres with drugs and delivery kits among
others.
Head, Department of Health, Dr Ezedinachi Edozie, commended the group for the visit and re-assured that he would meet with the TC Chairman to upgrade and equip the health facilities in the area as well as to attend to the pregnant women.
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