About 10,000 pregnant women in Ebonyi have been enrolled into the State Health Insurance Agency (EBSHIA) by Better Health For Rural Women, Children, and Internally Displaced Foundation (BERWO).
The Founder of the foundation and wife of Gov. Francis Nwifuru, Mary-Maudline, disclosed this on Wednesday while inaugurating the second phase of the programme in Abakaliki.
The event, organised by BERWO, in collaboration with EBSHIA, ensures that the women receive quality antenatal care, safe delivery, and postnatal services free of charge.
Mrs Nwifuru also disclosed that the programme covered emergency medical care attention.
According to Mrs Nwifuru, “The life-changing event captured 10,000 pregnant women into the scheme by BERWO foundation and this reaffirms our collective commitment to the health, safety of every woman and child in the state.
“This intervention ensures that every enrolled woman receives care.
“We are expanding the circle of care, which enrols 10,000 pregnant women across the 171 wards of the state.
“Also, this demonstrates our unwavering commitment to ensure that no mother dies while giving life and no child is denied a chance to live healthily because of poverty,” she said.
She encouraged the women to take advantage of the initiative to ensure they get registered and attend antenatal appointments.
In his remarks, the Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr. Divine Igwe, said the initiative aligned with the universal health coverage and the “people charter of needs” mantra of the Gov. Nwifuru-led administration.
Igwe assured that the women enrolled would be monitored to ensure they access health care and safe delivery.
The Ebonyi Commissioner for Health, Dr Moses Ekuma, commended Mrs Nwifuru for the initiative, adding that the first phase of the programme recorded a huge success.
Odira Ekenezie, the Regional Accounts Manager, South East Field Technology and Development Partners Limited, said it partnered with the foundation and EBSHIA to affect lives positively by providing medical interventions and dispensing quality drugs.
Mrs Elizabeth Ogbaga, Chairperson of EBSHIA Board, and Mrs Nkechi Echiegu, BERWO Team Leader, disclosed that the initiative had introduced “baby shower” strategy to encourage pregnant women to access and use antenatal.
Mrs Success Nkwede and Patience Okwuru, on behalf of other beneficiaries, commended Mrs Nwifuru for the initiative and opportunity to access essential care.
