The Ebonyi State Government has taken a significant step toward improving maternal and infant healthcare by recruiting 328 skilled birth attendants (SBAs), including nurses and midwives, for deployment across Primary Health Centers (PHCs).
This initiative aims to reduce the prevalence of unqualified medical personnel in the healthcare sector and enhance service delivery in general hospitals statewide.
During a one-day orientation program in Abakaliki, the State Commissioner for Health, Moses Ekuma, emphasized that the recruitment is for a one-year period. However, he noted that performance and dedication could influence the possibility of a permanent engagement.
“The government decided to recruit skilled birth attendants due to a shortage of healthcare personnel in secondary health facilities. This move is expected to strengthen the primary healthcare system,” Ekuma stated.
Patrick Njoku, the Program Manager of the World Bank-assisted Impact Project, urged the newly recruited SBAs to take their roles seriously. He highlighted that the initiative was launched to address high infant mortality rates and maternal deaths during childbirth.
“There is a gap in the health sector, and this recruitment seeks to bridge that gap. Your performance in this first phase will determine future opportunities,” Njoku added.
Some of the newly engaged SBAs, including Ifeoma Okorie and Chukwuna Nwite, expressed gratitude to the state government, emphasizing that increasing skilled personnel in general hospitals will discourage expectant mothers from seeking care from unqualified practitioners.
The orientation program was attended by key government officials, including the Special Assistant to Governor Francis Nwifuru on Primary Health, Sabinus Nwibo, and the Chairman of Abakaliki Local Government Area, Stephen Ebere Nwogba.
This recruitment drive aligns with Ebonyi State’s commitment to revitalizing the healthcare sector and improving maternal and child health outcomes.
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