By Stanley Nwako
The Anambra State Government has intensified efforts to eliminate maternal deaths through strengthened collaboration with UNICEF and other development partners aimed at improving maternal and child health outcomes across the state.
Speaking during a stakeholders’ engagement on maternal health performance, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that no woman dies from preventable pregnancy-related causes, noting that the state is considering a comprehensive household mapping initiative to generate accurate population data for improved planning, resource allocation, and healthcare delivery.
The engagement featured three technical presentations on the June 2026 Performance Update. The first was delivered by Ikeanyionwu Ijeoma, MPCDSR Desk Officer, while the second was presented by Mrs Edith Onwuka, State Immunisation Officer who spoke on strengthening of Immunisation coverage through PHC service champions and Dr Emembolu Chuma, State Epidemiologist, who provided updates on maternal health outcomes and the state’s epidemiological situation.
The report showed strong performance indicators, including 84.9% ANC fourth visit coverage, 83.2% facility-based deliveries, and 91.8% skilled birth attendance figures significantly above national averages. Postnatal care coverage also remained high, with 73.2% for mothers and 71.2% for newborns.
The UNICEF team at the engagement included Martin Dohlshen, Health Manager, UNICEF; and Dr. Ifeyinwa Anyanyo, Health Specialist, UNICEF, who contributed to discussions on improving maternal and child health systems, data quality, and service delivery.
The UNICEF Health Systems Specialist, Dr. Emmanuel Emedo, commended the state’s progress but urged improvements in data systems, describing the “Black Book” as a key challenge, emphasizing the need for accurate birth registration and stronger disease surveillance.
Despite gains, the report highlighted concerns over neonatal and child mortality, as well as gaps in death reporting systems between DHIS2 and MPCDSR platforms, indicating under-reporting of maternal and neonatal deaths.
Immunization challenges such as cold chain failures, digital gaps, and rising zero-dose children were also noted in some LGAs, while surveillance systems continue to monitor diseases including measles, yellow fever, AFP, Lassa fever, and Mpox.
The state outlined plans to strengthen emergency obstetric care, improve referral systems, expand surveillance infrastructure, and enhance primary healthcare services.
The meeting concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Obiageli Uchebo, who appreciated all stakeholders for their commitment and contributions. She commended the partners and health workers for their dedication to improving maternal and child health outcomes in the state, urging sustained collaboration to further strengthen the health system and ensure better results in the coming months.
Stakeholders reaffirmed their commitment to sustained collaboration to consolidate gains in maternal and child health and improve healthcare delivery across Anambra State.
Stanley Nwako is of the Ministry of Health, Anambra State
