The commissioner for health in Plateau, Nicholas Baamlong, says the state government has revamped 80 primary healthcare centres (PHCs) in its effort to reduce the high rate of maternal and child morbidity and mortality.

Mr Baamlong said this on Monday at a news briefing in Jos to commemorate this year’s World Health Day with the theme: “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures “.

He lamented that the statistics of the maternal mortality ratio in the state were estimated to be around 900 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births and 80 newborn deaths per 1,000 newborns.

The commissioner also said the intention was to provide accommodation for skilled birth attendants at the PHCs while improving the health indices of the state.

He said it is imperative for the various governments to invest in high-impact maternal and newborn health services and expand equitable access to quality care, especially in hard-to-reach areas.

Mr Baamlong further expressed the need to address underlying social and economic factors that drive inequalities and strengthen accountability, coordination and innovation at all levels to attain the global maternal survival goals by 2030.

He thanked Governor Caleb Mutfwang for improving the quality of healthcare services in the state.

The commissioner also thanked the various developmental partners in the health sector for their support in reducing maternal and child morbidity and mortality in the state. 

(NAN)