In a bid to reduce the alarming rates of maternal and child mortality in Rivers State, the State Primary Healthcare Management Board will launch a four-day Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) from June 2 to 6, 2025.
All services provided during the programme will be offered free of charge, according to a statement released by the Executive Secretary of the Board, Prof. Kinikanwo Green, in Port Harcourt.
Green cited World Health Organisation (WHO) data from 2023, which indicated that Nigeria’s maternal mortality rate stands at 993 deaths per 100,000 live births — one of the highest in the world. Additionally, under-five mortality remains a significant concern, with 104.9 out of every 1,000 children not surviving past their fifth birthday.
The initiative forms part of broader efforts by the state to improve maternal and child health outcomes.
