From Mba Nnenna- Abakaliki
The Hon. Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma has reiterated Government’s commitment to reduce maternal mortality and child through encouragement of child birth spacing programme and other health initiatives.
He stated this during an advocacy visit by the committee on Family Planning, in his office at Ochudo Centenary City, Abakaliki.
The Commissioner who enumerated the essence of child spacing, urged them to take the advocacy to schools so as to reduce unwanted pregnancy, noting that family planning is not restricted to only married couples.
He maintained that unmarried individuals have sexual rights and as such should be advised on the dangers of unwanted pregnancy which in the course of terminating through abortion may lead to death.
Dr. Ekuma said “the Ebonyi State Ministry of Health is ready to give every support that will enable our women to space their children. We understand the importance of that.”
Earlier, the State Reproductive Health Coordinator, Mr. Emmanuel Ogharu and a member of the team who is also the Director TV News, Ebonyi Broadcasting Corporation (EBBC), Dr. Simon Igwe Iroh, said that they came to brief the Commissioner about their procurement of child birth spacing commodities and commended him for endorsing their community outreach programme.
They pledged not to relent in their efforts to sensitize the people on child spacing until result is achieved.
“With child birth spacing commodities, a woman can now decide when to get pregnant”
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They said, “we will continue interfacing with you to ensure that our people understand the need for child spacing.”
The courtesy visit was attended by the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Ezeogo Lawrence, the Director Public Health, Dr Hyacinth Ebenyi, the Director Nursing Services, Mrs. Maria Uduma Orji and the Coordinator, Family planning, Dr. Mrs.Kate Barry-Oko.
