By Edem Ekpo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Biase Chapter, has urged the Cross River State Government to enact a law regulating church-run maternity homes in order to curb the alarming rate of maternal and child mortality.
Speaking at a town hall meeting in Biase where the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) presented its research findings, CAN Chairman Rev. Victor Okon warned that unregulated maternity centres operated by churches and traditional birth attendants were contributing to preventable deaths among pregnant women and children under five.
Rev. Okon criticised pastors who discourage members from seeking care at government hospitals or from accepting medically advised caesarean sections, describing such practices as unsafe and contrary to biblical teachings.
Earlier, CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead and former Cross River Health Commissioner, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita — representing University of Calabar Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi — said the meeting was convened to share research findings, review community responses, and develop practical measures to reduce maternal and under-five deaths. She emphasised that collaboration among government, health professionals, and communities is vital to achieving safer pregnancy outcomes.
In his remarks, Paramount ruler of Biase, His Royal Highness Onun Apostle Nicholas Odim, applauded CHAMPS for addressing worrisome maternal and child mortality figures and pledged traditional institutions’ support for its interventions.
In an interview, Chairman of Biase Local Government, Hon. Edadi Enyong, praised CHAMPS for donating an ultrasound machine to the Cottage Hospital, Akpet, and providing Mama Kits and other logistics. He said the support had boosted patronage of public health facilities and strengthened healthcare delivery in the area, adding that his administration was ready to partner further with CHAMPS and other stakeholders.
Representing the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Dr. Bassey Etim outlined ongoing reforms in primary healthcare, including facility upgrades, staff recruitment, and improved funding for training.
He noted that the state was also training and integrating traditional birth attendants into referral systems, particularly in remote communities.
Dr. Edward Odey, who presented an overview of CHAMPS’ research, said the feedback meeting aimed to fine-tune response strategies and encourage greater use of government health facilities as a key step toward improving maternal and child health in the state.