Ebonyi, Medical Women Intensify Campaign to End Maternal Mortality
By Ugonma Ewa
The Ebonyi State Government has deepened its commitment to ending maternal deaths through a strategic partnership with the Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria (MWAN) and key development partners. The joint effort seeks to ensure that no woman in the state loses her life while bringing new life into the world.
Speaking during a one-day training for AIM-MNCH champions in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Moses Ekuma—represented by the Director of Public Health and Disease Control, Dr. Hyacinth Ebenyi—commended MWAN for supporting government initiatives to improve maternal, newborn, and child health (MNCH) in Ebonyi.
Dr. Ebenyi noted that the state has recorded a remarkable reduction in maternal mortality due to sustained investments in healthcare infrastructure, human resources, and community sensitization.
“Before this administration, Ebonyi recorded over 900 maternal deaths annually. Today, that figure has dropped to about 420,” he stated. “This progress reflects our collective efforts—better-equipped hospitals, skilled health workers, and continuous public awareness campaigns.”
He explained that all 13 general hospitals in the state have been renovated and equipped to ensure pregnant women across communities have access to quality healthcare. However, he expressed concern that some expectant mothers still rely on traditional birth attendants (TBAs), a practice that continues to put lives at risk.
“We urge our people to embrace hospital deliveries. The government is even considering incentivizing TBAs to refer women to health facilities rather than conducting home deliveries,” he added.
Dr. Ebenyi also highlighted the role of the Ebonyi State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA), which provides financial support to ensure pregnant women can access care without worrying about cost.
Despite the progress, he identified key challenges affecting MNCH outcomes in the state, including high rates of adolescent pregnancy, poor family planning uptake, weak data management, and limited access to skilled care in rural areas. He expressed optimism that the partnership with MWAN would help close these gaps through targeted training, advocacy, and data-driven interventions.
The event featured technical presentations from partners such as Oluyemi Abodunrin of the Centre for Communication and Social Impact (CCSI), who discussed Social and Behavioural Change Communication (SBCC), and Dr. Olufemi Ibitoye of Pathfinder International, who spoke on the SMART Advocacy Approach—both designed to strengthen community engagement and action toward better health outcomes.
Dr. Lilian Ndidiamaka Nwaobshi, Immediate Past President of MWAN Ebonyi and Team Lead for the AIM-MNCH project, emphasized the urgency of addressing maternal mortality in Nigeria, which currently contributes about 25 percent of global maternal deaths.
“For every four women who die during childbirth worldwide, one is a Nigerian. These figures are unacceptable,” she said. “We are training community champions—faith leaders, traditional rulers, and media practitioners—who can directly reach people with life-saving information.”
She added that the training would extend to general hospitals and secondary health facilities to empower frontline health workers who engage daily with pregnant women and children.
In his remarks, the traditional ruler of Amagu community, HRH Sunday Oketa, commended MWAN and its partners for their commitment to reducing maternal deaths. He pledged to integrate advocacy on safe motherhood into his cabinet’s activities and to mobilize the Ebonyi State Traditional Rulers Council in supporting hospital-based deliveries.
As the collaboration between MWAN, development partners, and the Ebonyi State Government strengthens, all parties reaffirmed their shared goal—that no woman in Ebonyi should die while giving life, and every child born in the state should have the opportunity to thrive.
