In a bid to tackle the alarming rates of child mortality, the Association of Nigeria Physicians in America (ANPA) has teamed up with the Abia State Government to provide crucial medical services and training to health workers. The initiative, spearheaded by Mrs. Priscilla Otti, the wife of Abia State Governor, aims to equip local health professionals with the necessary skills to enhance newborn survival rates.
Addressing health workers during a training session at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, Mrs. Otti underscored the importance of mastering the training to ensure effective implementation in their daily duties. She emphasized Governor Otti’s commitment to revitalizing the state’s healthcare sector and making quality healthcare accessible to all residents.
With global child mortality statistics painting a concerning picture, Mrs. Otti highlighted the significance of ANPA’s life-saving training in reducing infant mortality rates and safeguarding the health of newborns. She cited data indicating that global child mortality stands at 136 million births annually, with 46% of these births experiencing some form of early life-threatening complications, underscoring the urgent need for initiatives like this training program.
ANPA President, Dr. Chinyere Anyaogu, elaborated on the objectives of the “Helping Babies Survive” program, aimed at improving newborn care and reducing neonatal mortality rates. The training focuses on equipping participants with essential skills for neonatal resuscitation to save lives and provide optimal care for newborns facing respiratory challenges at birth.
Dr. Ngozi Okoronkwo, the state commissioner for health, expressed gratitude to ANPA for their collaboration in aligning with Governor Alex Otti’s administration’s efforts to strengthen the healthcare workforce in Abia state. This partnership marks a significant step forward in the collective fight against child mortality in the region.