Cross River launches initiative to reduce fatalities from preeclampsia

Cross River has embarked on a week-long awareness campaign to combat preeclampsia and reduce maternal and neonatal deaths in communities across the state, with the theme "Preeclampsia: The Unforeseen Enemy at the Door" guiding the initiative.

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The campaign is being organised by the Cross River State chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria, also known as SOGON, to raise awareness about the condition.

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Dr Dan Abubakar, Chairman of the Cross River State Task Force on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, addressed the gathering on Thursday, urging health practitioners to maintain professional standards despite the economic challenges facing the country.

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He explained that preeclampsia, characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, is a leading cause of maternal and neonatal deaths globally, and that early detection and prompt treatment are crucial in preventing avoidable deaths and complications.

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Dr Abubakar reiterated that preeclampsia is a major contributor to maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide, but early detection, treatment, and access to quality obstetric care can help prevent unnecessary deaths and complications.

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He acknowledged the increasing pressure on healthcare facilities and personnel in the current economic climate, but stressed that patient safety must always be the top priority.

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Dr Abubakar noted that despite the challenges, healthcare providers must ensure that patient safety remains their highest priority, even in the face of economic pressure.

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He highlighted the importance of maintaining quality healthcare services, even in difficult economic times, to ensure the well-being of patients.

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The State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, declared the event open and reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to protecting the lives of mothers and newborns through investments in the healthcare sector.

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Dr Ayuk stated that maternal health is a central pillar of the state's People First Agenda, and that the Ministry of Health is implementing comprehensive reforms to revitalise health facilities and strengthen service delivery.

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He emphasised that improving maternal health requires more than just clinical expertise, highlighting the need for strong regulatory systems and modern healthcare infrastructure.

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Dr Ayuk noted that the future of healthcare is digital, and that Cross River State is taking steps to position itself at the forefront of this transformation by integrating advanced healthcare management systems and modernising infrastructure.

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The state is also enforcing regulatory standards to ensure that obstetric emergencies are managed with modern equipment and standardised procedures across all 18 local government areas, according to Dr Ayuk.

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He added that the week-long programme aims to raise public awareness about the dangers of preeclampsia, strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, and promote policy actions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across Cross River State.

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Dr Ayuk explained that the programme is expected to deepen public awareness of preeclampsia, strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, and promote policy actions to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the state.