The UNICEF Desk Officer in the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, Mrs Chineze George-Ileka, says adequate antenatal checks could reduce maternal deaths.

She spoke during an orientation for Volunteer Community Mobilisers which also includes officers in charge of health facilities in Onitsha South Local Government Area.
The Desk Officer said that Volunteer Community Mobilisers are to mobilize and educate their communities on essential family practices, especially as it concerns accessing government health centres.
According to her, Volunteer Community Mobilisers are expected to educate pregnant women on the need to go to healthcare facilities where there are trained Nurses and other health personnel.
Mrs George-Ileka, who noted that Nurses are Health care givers, urged them to always engage in humanitarian services like providing pregnant women with free routine drugs or sell it at reduced costs to encourage them.
A one-time President-General of Aguluzigbo community in Anaocha Local Government Area Mr Emeka Anetoh, called for more investment in the Health sector.
Leaders of the Volunteer Community Mobilisers of the four communities that make up Onitsha South Local Government Area are Mrs Virginia Enemuo, Odoakpu; Dr Dingil Nneuo, Housing Estate; Mrs Chioma Ezeh, Woliwo, and Mrs Paulina Osuorah, Fegge.