The distribution exercise began 3 days after TheInvestigator and CrossRiverWatch published special reports on the state of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state.
By TheInvestigator
In a decisive move to advance maternal and newborn healthcare across the state, the Cross River State Government, has officially flagged off the distribution of Antenatal Care (ANC) Mama’s Kits and Postnatal Kits to expectant and new mothers.
The distribution exercise began 3 days after TheInvestigator and CrossRiverWatch published special reports on the state of Primary Healthcare Centres across the state. The stories were produced as part of Orodata Science Frontline Investigative Programme.
Kingsley Agim, Information Officer of Ministry of Health reports that the ceremony took place at the State Cold chain store in Calabar, led by the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), Dr Vivien Mesembe Otu.
Dr Otu in her address described the initiative as a critical intervention aimed at supporting maternal health, emphasizing that it reflects the Governor’s “People First” agenda and the compassionate involvement of his wife, Her Excellency, Dr Eyoanwan Otu.
“This initiative is not only a testament to the administration’s strong commitment to maternal and child health but also a demonstration of strategic collaboration among government and development partners,” Dr Otu stated.
She noted that the programme—branded as The IMPACT Project—has already begun transforming the healthcare delivery landscape in the state. The first phase of distribution, she revealed, will cover PHCs across five Local Government Areas: Bakassi, Akpabuyo, Calabar Municipality, Calabar South, and Odukpani. The plan, according to her, is to scale the distribution to all 196 PHCs across the state’s 18 LGAs as more kits are procured.
Speaking further, Dr. Otu stressed that The IMPACT Project is a collaborative effort made possible through the support of committed partners and stakeholders, and is designed to promote safe pregnancies, hygienic deliveries, and improved postnatal outcomes for mothers and infants.
Beneficiaries from the pilot LGAs expressed deep gratitude to Governor Bassey Otu, his wife Her Excellency Eyoanwan Otu, and the DG of CRSPHCDA, Dr. Vivien Otu, for what they described as a timely and life-saving intervention. Many described the kits as a major relief, particularly for low-income mothers, and a step toward reducing maternal and neonatal mortality in the state.
A high point of the event was the formal unveiling of the ANC Mama’s Kits. Each kit contains vital maternal and neonatal care items including a mama kit bag, wrapper, mackintosh, baby clothes, cotton wool, antiseptic liquid, baby soap, cord clamp, surgical blade, surgical gloves, baby oil, baby wipes, diapers, sanitary pads, and olive oil.
Similarly, the Postnatal Kits, which are distributed at immunization points, include essential items such as baby oil, baby lotion, baby wipes, baby jelly, baby soap, baby powder, and diapers. These kits are intended to promote hygiene and continued care for both mother and baby in the critical weeks following childbirth.
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