NEDU MARK, Yenagoa
Governor Seriake Dickson of Bayelsa state has assured that his administration would partner with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and donor agencies to provide data, funds and facilities that promote quality health for the citizenry.
Dickson stated this in Yenagoa when a team of Targeted State High Impact Project, TSHIP, paid him a courtesy visit.
The Governor who spoke through the state’s Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Barr. Esuene Dan Kikile said a lot still needs to be done in the health sector, especially in the area of primary health care in order to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in the state.
He noted that the state government would do everything within its limit to save the lives of children and pregnant mothers who are the most vulnerable groups in the society.
The governor commended the team for the successful application of Misoclear to prevent as well as treat haemorrhage in women who have just put to bed, and the Chlorhexidine Gel to prevent umbilical cord infection in new born babies
On the strategic distribution of the drugs and dissemination of information on the availability of the drugs in the media, the Commissioner said the ministry would liaise with the Ministry of Health with a view to embarking on public enlightenment campaign to sensitise Bayelsans on the efficacy of the two medications.
Earlier,State Co-ordinator of Reproductive Health in the State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Naya Suobo, said the NGO was collaborating with the Federal Ministry of Health and Save the Children Foundation on the use of Misoclear and Chlorhexidine Gel to reduce infant and maternal mortality.
Mrs Suobo explained that Misoclear and Chlorhexidine Gel are safe, effective and affordable and can be used in both health facilities and homes with little or no side effects, noting that the manufacturers of the drugs are working in partnership with global health organizations and have WHO certification.
She appealed to the state government to discourage people from using native herbs, especially on pregnant mothers and new born babies.
The Coordinator stressed that their use has drastically reduced the rate of infant and maternal mortality, as she solicited for government support to enable the organization distribute the drugs in the state.
