EKITI RECRUITS 100 SKILLED BIRTH ATTENDANTS TO BOOST MATERNAL AND CHILD HEALTHCARE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The Ekiti State Government, in collaboration with the World Bank through the Immunisation Plus and Malaria Progress by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project, has recruited 100 skilled birth attendants to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services across the state’s primary healthcare centres (PHCs).
The Project Coordinator of IMPACT in Ekiti State, Dr. Sunday Omoya, made the announcement on Thursday during an orientation programme held in Ado Ekiti for the newly recruited personnel, including nurses, midwives, and community health officers.
Omoya stated that the initiative aims to bridge the human resource gap in PHCs and improve maternal outcomes by ensuring more pregnant women have access to trained health professionals.
“The IMPACT project has a clear objective to reduce maternal and under-five mortality. Access to skilled care during antenatal visits and delivery significantly increases a woman’s chances of survival,” he said.
He emphasized that although most PHCs already have some staff, the additional 100 skilled birth attendants are being deployed to complement existing personnel and enhance the quality of care.
“This service is free under the Ulerawa programme introduced by the government, and we encourage pregnant women to visit the nearest PHC for their antenatal care and delivery,” Omoya added.
Dr. Olufunke Ogunbunmi, Chairman of the Ekiti State Primary Healthcare Development Board, noted that the orientation was crucial for preparing the recruits for the realities of clinical practice in rural communities.
“You are filling critical gaps in the dwindling healthcare workforce at the PHC level. With your deployment, we expect a significant improvement in maternal and child health indices in Ekiti State,” Ogunbunmi said.
She also commended Governor Biodun Oyebanji for his consistent support for the healthcare sector, particularly for sustaining the Ulerawa initiative and ensuring the prompt release of counterpart funding for health programmes.
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