The Delta State Government has intensified its fight against corruption in the health sector, sacking and demoting workers found extorting pregnant women and children under five, even as it reports a significant decline in maternal mortality across the state.
This was made known during the flag-off ceremony of Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project Action Plan held at Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area (LGA) on Saturday.
According to the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Joseph Onojaeme, he stated that while many health workers have shown dedication, a few had betrayed public trust by collecting money illegally and still charging the government for the same services.
He explained that the state fully covers antenatal and delivery care for pregnant women, in addition to free treatment for children under five. Onojaeme added that closer supervision and community feedback mechanisms are being strengthened to ensure compliance with the policy.
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“We have demoted some of these fraudulent workers and sacked many within this short period. With continuous monitoring and the support of mothers, these practices will reduce,” he said.
The commissioner further revealed that Delta has recorded a drop in maternal mortality figures, from over 200 deaths per 100,000 live births to fewer than 120.
He expressed optimism that the recently launched Maternal and Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation and Initiatives Project (MAMII) would help sustain this progress.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the representative of the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Dr John Ovuoraye, pledged federal support to states prioritising maternal and child health.
He said 172 local government areas across 33 states had been identified as high-risk, including five in Delta State.
Ovuoraye emphasised that the MAMII Project, which enjoys the backing of President Bola Tinubu, is a collaborative effort involving USAID, WHO, UNICEF, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, the World Bank, and European partners.
