The Cross River State Chapter of the Society of Gynaecology and Obstetrics of Nigeria (SOGON) has launched a week-long awareness campaign aimed at combating preeclampsia and reducing maternal deaths, with renewed calls for stronger health systems, improved emergency obstetric care, and greater public awareness.
The campaign, themed “Preeclampsia: The Unforeseen Enemy at the Door,” runs from July 13 to July 18, 2026, and brings together medical experts, policymakers, and other stakeholders to advance strategies for improving maternal health outcomes across the state.
Speaking during the event, the Cross River State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Henry Egbe Ayuk, reaffirmed the commitment of the Governor Bassey Otu-led administration to safeguarding the lives of mothers and newborns through sustained investments in the healthcare sector.
Dr. Ayuk said maternal health remains a central pillar of the state’s People First Agenda, noting that the Ministry of Health is implementing comprehensive reforms focused on revitalizing health facilities, strengthening service delivery, and ensuring that quality, life-saving maternal healthcare is accessible to all women across the state.
He stressed that improving maternal health requires more than clinical expertise, emphasizing the need for strong regulatory systems and modern healthcare infrastructure.
“The future of healthcare is digital, and Cross River State is taking deliberate steps to position itself at the forefront of that transformation. We are integrating advanced healthcare management systems, revamping our infrastructure, and enforcing regulatory standards to ensure that obstetric emergencies are managed with modern equipment and standardized procedures across all 18 local government areas,” Ayuk stated.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Cross River State Ministry of Health, Dr. Jonah Offor, highlighted the importance of translating medical knowledge into effective government policies capable of strengthening emergency obstetric care.
Presenting a paper on the sub-theme, “From Awareness to Policy: Strengthening the Health System Response,” Dr. Offor said sustainable improvements in maternal health depend on strong collaboration between healthcare professionals, policymakers, and administrators.
He advocated the establishment of structured policy frameworks that bridge the gap between expert clinical knowledge and government action, thereby enhancing the capacity of the health system to respond effectively to obstetric emergencies.
Chairman of the Cross River State Task Force on Health Quality and Anti-Quackery, Dr. Dan Abubakar, drew attention to the realities confronting healthcare providers in the current economic climate.
Speaking on “The Challenges of Managing Obstetric Emergencies in an Economy in Decline,” he acknowledged the increasing pressure on healthcare facilities and personnel but urged practitioners not to compromise professional standards.
According to him, maintaining quality healthcare services remains essential despite prevailing economic challenges, stressing that patient safety must always remain the highest priority.
The awareness campaign also features renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist, Professor John E. Ekabua, as keynote speaker, providing a platform for experts to share evidence-based approaches to the prevention and management of preeclampsia and other obstetric emergencies.
Organisers said the week-long programme is expected to deepen public awareness on the dangers of preeclampsia, strengthen collaboration among healthcare stakeholders, and promote policy actions that will further improve maternal and newborn health outcomes in Cross River State.
Preeclampsia, a pregnancy-related condition characterised by high blood pressure and organ dysfunction, remains one of the leading causes of maternal and neonatal deaths globally. Health experts at the event stressed that early detection, prompt treatment, and access to quality obstetric care are critical to preventing avoidable deaths and complications.
By Kingsley Agim
