HEALTH EXPERT IN BAYELSA CALLS FOR IMPROVED PRIMARY HEALTHCARE TO REDUCE MATERNAL, NEWBORN DEATHS

To tackle maternal and newborn deaths in Nigeria, a health expert has urged governments at all levels to prioritize building more primary healthcare centers in rural areas.

Dr. Abalaba Tombra, a Public Health Physician at the Federal Medical Center in Yenagoa, made the call during an interview on Golden 97.5 FM on Monday, 7th April, 2025, while commemorating this year’s World Health Day.

The event, with the theme “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”, focuses on maternal and newborn health.

Dr. Tombra emphasized the need for training and incentives for healthcare workers, particularly those serving in rural communities.

As part of solutions to reduce maternal and newborn mortality, she also advocated for the training of traditional birth attendants and equally urged the public to help sensitize their communities on the importance of seeking medical care at appropriate health facilities.

Dr. Tombra also encouraged the public, especially pregnant women to enroll in universal health coverage programs, such as the National Health Insurance Scheme, NHIS and the Bayelsa State Health Insurance Scheme, BHIS, to access free healthcare services.

Reported by Bright Okpo