A wave of joy swept through the Umuahia North Council Headquarters as Abia State flagged off the 2025 Round One Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week with an unforgettable moment,a live delivery of a baby boy during the opening ceremony.
The proud mother, Mrs. Success Solomon of Isiala Ngwa North LGA, went into labour during the ceremony and was safely delivered of a healthy 2.7kg baby boy.
Both mother and child are receiving postnatal care at the nearby Primary Health Centre on Ojike Street and are reported to be in excellent condition.
The miraculous birth served as a powerful reminder of the week’s mission to safeguard maternal and child health.
Addressing the gathering, the Wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti—represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa—reaffirmed the state’s unwavering commitment to ending preventable maternal and child deaths.
“This life-saving initiative is not only timely—it is vital. No woman or child should die from preventable causes,” she declared. “The safe delivery today is a divine endorsement of our commitment.”
Her Excellency urged mothers to patronize well-equipped primary healthcare centers and shun unqualified practitioners. She applauded Governor Alex Otti’s consistent prioritization of the health sector and encouraged health workers to pursue continuous education to better serve their communities.
Reacting to the joyful event, Mrs. Otti expressed her gratitude to God:
“What a beautiful way to begin this journey of life and hope. This baby’s birth is more than symbolic—it’s a divine signal that our interventions are on track. I celebrate with Mrs. Solomon and her family and pray this child grows in wisdom and health.”
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Felix, highlighted the synergy between ministries and agencies driving the MNCH Week. She noted that the program represents more than a health intervention—it is a building block for social equity and reduced poverty.
“This week embodies what a unified, people-focused government can achieve. By addressing nutrition, healthcare, and education for mothers and children, we’re investing in a more inclusive future,” Felix said.
Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, echoed these sentiments, calling the initiative a clarion call for collective responsibility to safeguard future generations. He praised Governor Otti for providing an enabling environment for sustainable healthcare transformation.
Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, gave insight into the services provided during the MNCH Week. These include vitamin A distribution, deworming, routine immunization, tetanus-diphtheria shots for pregnant women, antenatal care, and nutrition education.
“Our focus remains clear—providing proven, life-saving interventions that reach the most vulnerable where they are,” Dr. Kalu said.
In goodwill messages, representatives from UNICEF, WHO, and PanAfricare commended the state’s proactive approach. They affirmed their commitment to continued support, praising Abia’s vision for prioritizing maternal and child health as a cornerstone for development.
With one baby’s birth already marking a milestone, the 2025 MNCH Week in Abia State shines as a testament to hope, resilience, and government-driven transformation.
