The Enugu State Ministry of Health, in collaboration with Jhpiego and the Sector-Wide Approach (SWAp) Coordinating Office, has taken a significant step towards improving maternal healthcare in the state. A high-level dissemination meeting was held to present findings from the recent Comprehensive Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (CEmONC) assessment across selected health facilities in the state.
In his opening remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Emmanuel Obi, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to improving maternal healthcare. He noted that Enugu State has formally expressed interest in the HOPE Health Project and currently maintains a “green” rating on the disbursement linked indicators, indicating strong performance. Dr. Obi also announced that the Medical Emergency Response Department, in collaboration with the Nigerian Communications Commission, has completed the process for a switchboard system to trigger coordinated medical emergency responses across the state.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Health, Hon. Okechukwu Aneke, reiterated the House’s commitment to maternal and newborn health as a legislative priority. He assured continuous support for initiatives aimed at improving outcomes. Prof. Polycarp Agu, the CEO of Enugu State Hospital Management Board, noted that the board had earlier undertaken a broader CEmONC readiness assessment and that findings from both exercises would be harmonized to inform statewide improvements in maternal and neonatal care.
Dr. Yomi Jaye, Special Adviser to the Enugu State Governor on Health, emphasized the moral and operational urgency to prevent maternal deaths. He likened each maternal death to “fully boarding a plane and having it crash mid-air”. Goodwill messages were delivered by Jhpiego and Marie Stopes International, with Dr. Chioma Oduenyi commending Enugu State for its proactive approach to improving maternal health systems.
The CEmONC Focal Person for Enugu State, Dr. Chinyere Ezeugu, presented the detailed assessment findings, highlighting methodology, service delivery gaps, and facility readiness levels. Mrs. Ujunwa Ewo, the SWAp Desk Officer, followed with a presentation of key recommendations and Bill of Quantities from the infrastructure assessment.
In the feedback session, Dr. Edith Okoro, Executive Secretary of the Enugu State Agency for Universal Health Coverage, stressed the importance of addressing challenges holistically. She emphasized the need for strong referral systems, functional Primary Health Care infrastructure, and trained personnel to improve maternal outcomes.
The plenary session was robust, with the Honourable Commissioner actively engaging participants in translating the assessment findings into actionable plans. Clear next steps, timelines, and coordination structures were articulated for effective implementation in the next quarter.
In his closing remarks, Dr. Obi issued a call to action, urging all stakeholders to demonstrate readiness and commitment in driving change. He highlighted the importance of partnership and sustained effort in strengthening healthcare delivery in Enugu State. With this proactive approach, Enugu State is poised to make significant strides in improving maternal healthcare and reducing maternal mortality.