By Edem Ekpo
The Project Manager of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) programme in Cross River, Professor Iwara Arikpo, has restated the organisation’s resolve to reduce maternal and child deaths in the state, emphasizing its vision of building a healthier future where every mother and child has the opportunity to thrive.
Speaking at a Town Hall Research Feedback Meeting in Akpabuyo, Prof. Arikpo said CHAMPS is dedicated to improving pregnancy outcomes and scientifically investigating causes of death to prevent recurrence.
He noted that community sensitisation has boosted acceptance of the Minimally Invasive Tissue Sampling (MITS) procedure to over 95 percent, overcoming initial skepticism and paving the way for evidence-based solutions to mortality challenges.
Speaking, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Florence Obi, who was represented at the event by Prof. Ekaete Enang pledged the institution’s support for the initiative. “As a citadel of academic excellence committed to societal impact, UNICAL is ready to harness its human capital to improve the health of our communities through CHAMPS,” she said.
In her remarks ,CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, stressed the need for shared responsibility in addressing child deaths. “Despite ongoing efforts, too many children are still dying. Through our partnership with Emory University in the United States, we are identifying causes and solutions. We are saying no to preventable deaths,” she declared.
The Supervisor for Health in Akpabuyo Local Government, Mr. Elvis Usang, lauded CHAMPS’ interventions and pledged the council’s continued backing. “We are committed to reducing maternal and child mortality rates. Health is a priority, and the present administration will support this cause,” he assured.
At the community level, Mrs. Orie Iyang, Officer-in-Charge of the Primary Health Centre in Akpabuyo, applauded CHAMPS for interventions such as the provision of mama kits and facility support, which she said have improved access and affordability of healthcare for families.
The meeting, which drew religious, traditional, political, and government stakeholders, aimed to strengthen partnerships in reducing preventable deaths.
Key findings presented showed that CHAMPS’ activities align with cultural and religious practices. However, researchers observed that women often require family approval before engaging with health staff, while in some Muslim communities, male data collectors are restricted from asking pregnancy-related questions.
The study further highlighted continued reliance on Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs) and faith-based maternity centres, underscoring the need for stronger collaboration between formal health institutions and communities.
The event ended with an interactive session where community members raised concerns, made suggestions, and received assurances from CHAMPS officials that their feedback would shape future interventions.