By By Elizabeth Ugbo
Cross River State on Thursday launched a week-long preeclampsia awareness campaign in Calabar to educate residents, improve maternal healthcare, and reduce maternal and neonatal deaths. The campaign, organised by the Cross River State chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON), aims to strengthen collaboration among health stakeholders, encourage early detection of the condition, and promote policy actions that improve healthcare outcomes across the state.
SOGON Calls for Professional Standards Amid Economic Challenges
Speaking at the launch, the Chairman of the Cross River State Task Force on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, Dr Dan Abubakar, urged healthcare professionals to maintain high standards despite the country’s economic challenges.
He described preeclampsia as a pregnancy-related condition marked by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction. According to him, the condition remains one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide.
Abubakar stressed that early diagnosis, prompt treatment, and quality obstetric care can prevent avoidable deaths and severe complications.
He also noted that the awareness programme will increase public understanding of preeclampsia, improve collaboration among healthcare providers, and encourage policies that strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare across Cross River State.
Health Commissioner Reaffirms Commitment to Maternal Healthcare
Declaring the programme open, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr Henry Ayuk, reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Bassey Otu’s administration to protecting mothers and newborns.
Ayuk said maternal healthcare remains a key pillar of the state’s People First Agenda. He explained that the Ministry of Health continues to upgrade healthcare facilities, improve service delivery, and expand access to quality maternal healthcare across the state’s 18 local government areas.
Cross River Expands Digital Healthcare and Infrastructure
The commissioner emphasised that improving maternal health requires more than clinical expertise. He said effective regulation and modern healthcare infrastructure are equally important.
“The future of healthcare is digital, and Cross River State is taking deliberate steps to lead that transformation,” Ayuk said.
He explained that the state is integrating advanced healthcare management systems, upgrading medical infrastructure, and enforcing regulatory standards. These measures will ensure that obstetric emergencies receive prompt and standardised care throughout the state.
Patient Safety Remains Top Priority
Ayuk acknowledged that economic pressures continue to affect healthcare facilities and workers. However, he insisted that patient safety must remain the highest priority.
He reiterated that preeclampsia remains a serious public health concern but can be managed effectively through early detection, timely treatment, and improved access to quality healthcare services.
The week-long campaign is expected to raise awareness, encourage community participation, and strengthen efforts to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality across Cross River State.
