Cross River has launched a weeklong awareness campaign aimed at combating preeclampsia and reducing maternal and neonatal deaths across communities in the state.
The campaign, organised by the Cross River State chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) is themed, “Preeclampsia: The Unforeseen Enemy at the Door.”
Speaking on Thursday at the launch of the programme, the Chairman of the Cross River State Task Force on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, Dr Dan Abubakar, charged health practitioners not to compromise professional standards despite the prevailing economic challenges.
He explained that preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, remains one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths globally, stressing that early detection, prompt treatment and access to quality obstetric care are critical to preventing avoidable deaths and complications.
He said, “Preeclampsia remains one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths globally. But early detection, prompt treatment and access to quality obstetric care are critical to preventing avoidable deaths and complications.”
Speaking on the challenges of managing obstetric emergencies in an economy in decline, he, however, acknowledged the increasing pressure on healthcare facilities and personnel, stressing that patient safety must always remain the highest priority.
“Despite the increasing pressure on healthcare facilities and personnel. We must know that patient safety must always remain the highest priority,” he said.
He drew attention to the realities confronting healthcare providers in the current economic climate, noting that maintaining quality healthcare services remains essential despite the challenges.
Declaring the event open, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns through sustained investments in the healthcare sector.
Ayuk said maternal health remains a central pillar of the state’s People First Agenda, noting that the Ministry of Health is implementing comprehensive reforms aimed at revitalising health facilities, strengthening service delivery and ensuring that quality, life-saving maternal healthcare is accessible to women across the state.
He stressed that improving maternal health requires more than clinical expertise, emphasising the need for strong regulatory systems and modern healthcare infrastructure.
“The future of healthcare is digital, and Cross River State is taking deliberate steps to position itself at the forefront of that transformation.
“We are integrating advanced healthcare management systems, revamping our infrastructure, and enforcing regulatory standards to ensure that obstetric emergencies are managed with modern equipment and standardised procedures across all 18 local government areas,” Ayuk said.
He added that the week-long programme is expected to deepen public awareness of the dangers of preeclampsia, strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and promote policy actions aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across Cross River State.
“This week-long programme is expected to deepen public awareness of the dangers of preeclampsia, strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders and promote policy actions aimed at improving maternal and newborn health outcomes across Cross River State,” he explained.
