Delta State has recorded a significant decline in maternal mortality rates, with figures dropping from over 200 to less than 120 per 100,000 live births, according to State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme. He disclosed this at the flag-off of the Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives (MAMII) Project Action Plan in Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.
“We have seen a remarkable reduction, and I am optimistic that with programmes like MAMII, we will further bring down maternal and child deaths in Delta State,” Dr. Onojaeme said. While commending health workers for dedication, he revealed some had faced sanctions for violating the state’s free healthcare policy for pregnant women and children under five. “Health workers in the state have done well, but in every twelve, there is a Judas. We have received reports of some collecting money from pregnant women and children under five for drugs, while still forwarding the bills to the government for payment,” he stated.
Dr. Onojaeme noted several workers had been dismissed or demoted for such offences. “Monitoring will continue to ensure funds released for maternal and child healthcare are properly utilised,” he assured. He emphasized all pregnant women in Delta State are entitled to free healthcare until delivery, and children under five receive free medical treatment. “We encourage residents to report any health worker demanding payment,” he added, noting the Executive Assistant to the Governor on Health Monitoring’s phone number would be made public for such reports.
Representing the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr. John Ovuoraye Ovuoraye, pledged Federal Government support for states tackling maternal and neonatal mortality. He highlighted 172 local government areas across 33 states were high-risk zones, including five in Delta—Ndokwa East, Ughelli North, Aniocha North, Udu, and Sapele. Ovuoraye noted the MAMII Project, backed by President Bola Tinubu, involved collaboration with USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and European partners.
The event included presentation of the MAMII plaque to Delta State and inauguration of a task force to drive the project’s action plan.
