The director-general of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Vivien Otu has commended UNICEF for its efforts in improving maternal and child health services in the state.
Otu made these remarks during a media dialogue on Wednesday in Calabar, Cross River State, highlighting persistent challenges that hinder effective healthcare delivery.
She expressed gratitude to UNICEF for providing solar-powered refrigerators and lighting systems, which ensure round-the-clock vaccine storage and power supply. “We have solar energy that powers our cold chain equipment and ensures we deliver vaccines effectively. However, not all facilities benefit from this support,” she noted.
Despite these advancements, significant hurdles remain. Otu pointed out that many healthcare workers have not received adequate training due to limited funding, and critical hospital infrastructure—such as delivery couches, patient beds, and oxygen concentrators – is still lacking.
“We need more resources to train our staff and expand our facilities to accommodate more patients,” she added.
Primary healthcare centres (PHCs) also face challenges in vaccine supply. “While key vaccines such as Penta, IPV, BCG, and measles vaccines are available, stock-outs and delays in vaccine delivery persist, limiting the facilities’ ability to meet the community’s immunisation needs,” she stated.
Otu disclosed that efforts are underway to collaborate with traditional birth attendants (TBAs), who play a significant role in rural maternal health services. She emphasised the importance of training TBAs to identify danger signs during deliveries and refer patients to healthcare facilities. “By working with them and providing incentives for referrals, we can reduce maternal and child mortality,” she explained.
She urged UNICEF and other partners to help address these challenges, including solarising the state cold storage to reduce dependence on diesel and expanding facilities to cater to the growing population.
The state government has also pledged to allocate land for the expansion of some PHCs under the ongoing impact project, aimed at revitalising primary healthcare in Cross River.
With sustained support and strategic interventions, Otu believes that maternal and child health outcomes in the state can significantly improve.
