Group Seeks Government Support to Reduce Maternal and Neonatal Deaths in Taraba

 

From Godwin Agia, Jalingo

The volunteer group "Mama-to-Mama," dedicated to educating women on maternal and child health on Sunday called on the Taraba State government to support its activities aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality and improving child immunisation in the state.

Mrs. Christiana Habila, Assistant Health Educator for Advocacy and Health Promotion, made the appeal during an advocacy visit to Lau local government. 

She highlighted the impact of the UNICEF initiative, funded by GAVI, which has significantly reduced cases of maternal death and child mortality.

Habila emphasized the urgent need for Governor, Dr. Agbu Kefas to support the volunteers to enhance awareness efforts.

"I want to plead with the state government to assist UNICEF and GAVI regarding stipends. The Mama-to-Mama volunteers are not being paid; they only receive a small token for fare, which is insufficient for those in remote areas.

"If the government steps in, it will encourage the volunteers, boost their activities, and yield better results than we have now. We appeal to Governor Agbu Kefas to provide ambulances or tricycles, which could significantly alleviate some of the challenges," she added.

Mrs Habila also expressed her appreciation for the volunteers' hard work and encouraged them to continue striving to achieve the set goals of improving maternal and child immunization services in Taraba communities.

Rukaiya Mohammed, head of volunteers, and Felicia Francis, Routine Immunization Officer, also thanked UNICEF and GAVI for their efforts to improve the lives of women and children in Taraba, promising to make judicious use of the support provided.