By Onwa Ekor
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Biase Chapter in Cross River, has called on government to enact legislation regulating maternity homes operated by churches.
This, the association argued, would help curb the high rate of maternal and child mortality in the area.
At a town hall meeting in Biase where the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) presented its research findings, Chairman of CAN in Biase, Rev Victor Okon, warned that unregulated maternity homes operated by churches and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) were contributing to avoidable deaths among pregnant women and children under five.
He criticised the practice by some pastors who discourage members from accessing government health facilities or accepting medically recommended caesarean sections, describing such actions as unscriptural and dangerous.
Earlier, CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead and former Cross River Health Commissioner, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, said the forum was designed to share findings from CHAMPS research, assess community responses, and create practical guidelines to prevent under-five deaths and improve pregnancy outcomes.
Oyo-Ita stressed the importance of partnerships between government, health experts, and local communities in achieving CHAMPS’ goals of reducing maternal and child mortality.
Paramount Ruler of Biase, His Royal Majesty Onun Apostle Nicholas Odim, commended CHAMPS for its deliberate efforts to address the worrying indices of maternal and child deaths.
He pledged the traditional institutions support in ensuring the success of ongoing interventions.
Commenting on the event, Chairman of Biase local government, Hon. Edadi Enyong, expressed delight over CHAMPS’ donation and installation of an ultrasound machine at the Cottage Hospital, Akpet, as well as the provision of Mama Kits for pregnant women and other logistics.
He noted that these gestures had boosted patronage of government health facilities and improved healthcare delivery in the area.
Enyong assured of his administration’s readiness to collaborate further with CHAMPS and other partners to strengthen the health sector in Biase and guarantee optimum service delivery.
Director General, Cross River Primary Health Care Development Agency, represented by Dr. Bassey Etim, highlighted ongoing reforms in primary healthcare, including the upgrade of facilities, recruitment of additional staff, and enhanced funding for training institutions.
He explained that while efforts were underway to address manpower gaps, the state was also strengthening the capacity of TBAs through training and referral systems, particularly in hard-to-reach communities where their services remain relevant.
Presenting an overview of the research, Dr Edward Odey, noted that the meeting was aimed at offering feedback to stakeholders, refining response strategies, and encouraging the use of government health facilities as a key step toward improving maternal and child health outcomes.
