- Unveils Strategic Health Team
BY JUMAI NWACHUKWU
THE Delta State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Joseph Onojaeme has called on the newly inaugurated Advocacy Champions of the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), under the AIM-MNCNH Project, to remain steadfast in their mission to safeguard the lives of women, newborns, and children across the state.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony of the Accelerating Implementation of Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Nutrition Health (AIM-MNCNH) Advocacy Champions in Delta State, Dr. Onojaeme, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Dr. Philomena Okeowo emphasized that the occasion marked not only progress but also a renewed call to action in the battle against preventable maternal and child deaths.
While acknowledging significant gains in maternal and child health, he lamented that too many families still suffer preventable losses. He described the newly inaugurated champions as “key agents of change”, able to reach communities often underserved by formal health systems. “Improving maternal and child health requires more than policies and programs. It requires voices, faces, and trusted community influencers,” Dr. Onojaeme said
He also reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to health sector reforms, particularly in strengthening the Maternal, Perinatal, and Child Death Surveillance and Response (MPCDSR) system and expanding Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) services.
In her remarks, the Delta State Head of Service, Mrs. Mininim Oseji, stressed the need for continuous advocacy, improved service delivery, and consistent monitoring and evaluation to combat maternal and child mortality. She urged the champions to focus on grassroots implementation and community-based support systems.
The National President of MWAN, Prof. Rosemary Ogwu, also reaffirmed their collective resolve to protect the wellbeing of Nigerian children. She reminded the champions that their new role was not just an honor but a responsibility to advocate, educate, and inspire positive change.
“You are not just being honored, you are being entrusted,” she said.
Also speaking, MWAN, Delta State President, Dr. Olive Ogelle described the association as a coalition of female medical and dental professionals committed to improving the health of women and children, particularly the girl-child. She explained that the objective of the event was to inaugurate champions who can influence policy and clinical practice, especially concerning the availability and delivery of lifesaving health interventions.
Among the newly inducted AIM-MNCNH Advocacy Champions were: Dr. (Mrs.) Mininim Oseji – Head of Service, Delta State; Hon. Princess Pat A. Ajudua – Commissioner for Women Affairs, Community and Social Development; Dr. (Mrs.) Philomena Okeowo – Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health; Dr. Paul Okubor – Permanent Secretary, Hospital Management Board (HMB); Dr. Christian Tetsola – Director of Public Health; Chief Obi Nwanyi Chinwe Monu-Oduah (Omeogor Ahaba) – the Obi Nwanyi of Ahaba; Dr. (Mrs.) Faith Ireye – Immediate Past WHO State Coordinator; Comrade Stella Macaulay – Vice President, Zone F, Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ); HRM Chief Magistrate Iyobosa Eshemitan – Queen of Oghara Kingdom; Amb. Eris Jewo Ibi – Executive Director, Working Fingers International Initiative; Hajia Jamila Okeleke – Representative, Muslim Women Association; Mrs. Endurance Nwachukwu – Endy Bekx Initiative for Child and Women Development; Mrs. Christy Akako – State Welfare, National Issues.
Also giving her remarks, the Representative Health Sector Reforms Coalition/C-WINS/MWAN and Partners Dr Onyi Owa-Nwabuzo, represented by Dr Idotenyin Enyi, highlighted that the AIM-MNCNH project aims to improve maternal and child health outcomes by tackling postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) and promoting Measles-Rubella vaccination advocacy.
“We are confident that the AIM-MNCNH Advocacy Champions will play a vital role in reducing maternal and child mortality, improving nutrition, and enhancing the overall well-being of communities in Delta State,” she said.
Dr. Owa-Nwabuzo further reaffirmed the coalition’s commitment to supporting the Delta State Government and all stakeholders to ensure the success of the initiative.
