USAID Intervention Boosts Childcare In Ebonyi

Health workers in Ebonyi State have said the supply of the Ambu bags and masks by the United States Agency for International Development’s Integrated Health Programme (USAID-IHP) to health centres in the state had helped to save the lives of new-born in Ebonyi State.

Some of the health workers who made the disclosure to LEADERSHIP in the Abakaliki, during a facility visit to selected USAID-IHP- supported health facilities maintained that the Ambu bag and mask supplied to the health facility had helped to resuscitate and save the lives of newborn babies who were having difficulty in breathing.

A junior community health extension worker at the Maternal and Child Healthcare facility, MCH Okposi Umuogharu, Ezza North local government area, Miss Igwe Charity, said before the USAID intervention, they were referring newborns with such cases to the teaching hospitals, thereby endangering their chances of survival.

“In February this year, we had cases of newborn babies having difficulty in breathing, but with the help of the Ambu bag and mask supplied to us by the USAID IHP, we were able to resuscitate the babies, and they started breathing well,’’ she said.

Another health worker at the Echi-Alike Maternal and Child Healthcare Facility, Miss Adaora Uchenna, said the number of women and children who now make use of the centre had increased since the intervention of the USAID IHP.

“Before now, 10–12 women used to deliver in a quarter; now, with the provision of basic equipment on MNH, Child Health and Family Planning like big instrument tray, big kidney dishes, gallipots with cover, delivery is now easier and safer in the centre,” she said.

Other basic equipment provided by the agency includes, Long artery forceps, kockers , cord scissors, Non tooth dissecting forceps ,needle holder, episiotomy scissors, cord clamp , drapes , bag and mask, Penguine bulb , Kelly’s force , sponge holding force, long artery forceps , small artery forceps , among others.

“We now have over 10–23 women delivering at the facility on a monthly basis,” she added.

She said the intervention of the agency has given rise to the number of deliveries witnessed in the facility, adding that the provision of the basic requirements at the centre by the agency has also made their job easier, more effective, and more efficient.

The health workers also expressed concern over the inadequate manpower, especially doctors, at the centres and called on the state government to recruit and post more doctors to the centres for optimum productivity and good healthcare delivery.

They urged the USAID-IHP not to relent in its efforts in providing assistance to the facilities, as that has brought joy and relief to many rural dwellers in the state.