As part of measures towards improving maternal and child health, the Delta State Government has inaugurated a 37-member State Steering Committee on Maternal, Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance Review with a view to reducing maternal and child death rates in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, (SSG), Dr. Kingsley Emu in his office in Asaba, inaugurated the State Maternal Perinatal and Child Death Surveillance Review Steering Committee (MPCDSR) to reduce the burden of preventable deaths and ensure that women and children have the best chance to lead healthy and productive lives.
The SSG charged members of the committee to be diligent in the course of carrying out their mandate and to also ensure that they incorporate the use of statistical data for accurate information that will enhance the quality of their work, as Deltans depend on them to reduce the maternal, and child death rates in the state.
Dr. Emu enumerated the terms of reference of the committee to include planning and establishing the mechanism for their activities at the state level, ensure that public facility/community MPCDSR Committees notify and review all maternal, perinatal, and child deaths, provide oversight and consultation to health care providers in the state, amongst others.
In his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onajaeme, who is the chairman of the Steering Committee, stated that the committee is tasked with identifying the causes of maternal and child deaths in communities across the state and also to develop strategies to address them.
He noted that members are drawn from a diverse group of stakeholders, which include health care providers, community leaders, and representatives of civil society organizations.
Dr. Onajaeme stated that the committee had set a number of goals which include ending preventable maternal and child mortality in the state, improving the quality of care that women and children receive in health care facilities, and identifying every preventable maternal, and perinatal and child death.
In his vote of thanks, the first vice chairman of the committee, Dr. Maduka Roy thanked the state government for giving them the opportunity to serve and assured that the committee would, not fail in their assigned roles.
Members of the committee include Dr. Joseph Onajaeme, chairman; Dr. Chimah Uche, 2nd vice chairman, while Dr. Weyinmi Francis will serve as secretary. Other members include Dr. Philomena Okeowo, PS Ministry of Health, Dr. Paul Yinkori, functioning PS Primary Health Care Development Agency, and Dr. Paul Okubor, PS, Hospital Management Board among other members.
