Maternal mortality: Women advised on effective contraception

Women in Imo State have been enjoined to always ensure they access effective contraceptive methods to help check maternal mortality rate. The territorial manager Society for Family Health, Mr. Ibekwe Samuel, in charge of Imo and Abia states, made the call at a one-day Expanded Social Marketing Project (ESMPIN) Town Hall Meeting for people of Ohaji/Egbema local government area, held in Owerri.
He noted that ESMPIN funded by USAID and other donor agencies, was geared towards improving the health of women and children through birth spacing and access to health products. Ibekwe said SFH ensures the availability, accessibility and affordability of family planning methods and child health products. He said SFH also collaborates with local community healthcare centres, specialised groups, community/religious leaders and other stakeholders to ensure the success of the programme.
The territorial manager said the town hall meeting was aimed at informing, educating and creating awareness among representatives of health care providers, women groups, religious leaders and others on the need to reduce maternal mortality rate (MMR). He explained that through ESMPIN, the Contraceptive Prevalent Rate (CPR) in the state has increased from seven to nine per cent with a resultant decrease in MMR.
Ibekwe said it has also changed expectant mothers’ care seeking behaviour as women now access good public/private care facilities rather than go to quacks for treatment.
“If the women take the intermittent preventive therapy, attend antenatal clinics and give birth under a skilled or trained birth attendant, the MMR would decrease to appreciable percentage,” he said.