The Abia State government declared it would abolish traditional childbirth practices in the state, noting it poses great risks for expectant mothers and their babies.
This was disclosed by the Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, on Wednesday, during the State's Taskforce on Primary Health Care quarterly meeting.
Emetu, who doubles as the Chairman of the committee, frowned at the ugly incidents of such practices, describing them as obnoxious, unhealthy, and encourages mother and child mortality rates.
He called for collaboration between the state's Primary Health Care Development Agency and stakeholders such as the religious bodies, traditional institutions and the local authorities to ensure a seamless immunization delivery.
Emetu, who said that such a partnership will overcome cultural and social barriers to immunization, rejection and non-compliance, stated that the administration of Governor Alex Otti is fostering health care accessibility and prompt delivery.
In his address, the Executive Secretary, Abia State Primary Health Care Development Agency, ABSPHCDA Dr Kalu Ulu Kalu expressed happiness over the ongoing construction and equipping of 200 Health Centres across the state by the governor.
He stated that the facilities, when equipped, will be manned by trained health personnel for effective service delivery and expressed confidence in the state's ability to win the 2025 National Leadership Award in primary health care delivery.
