Photos: Full house of nurses, mothers, children and representatives of the health ministry at the MTN Foundation #yellowheart health forum in Calabar

MTN Foundation with the Cross River state Ministry of health carried out a #YelloHeart health forum on March 15th 2018 to raise awareness for expectant mothers/child and contribute towards reducing their mortality rate. The initiative is also about being #HereToCare.

Former First Lady Mrs Onari Duke attended the health forum here in Calabar for the MTN Yellowheart Health Forum. Ms Nonny Ugboma of the MTN foundation addressed the audience and gave a brief background of the event purpose.

The representative from the United Nations commended the state for its contribution in the rate of child mortality. He added that the UN is committed to a world where every pregnancy is wanted and every childbirth is safe.

Dr. Effiong of the University of Calabar teaching hospital said, One of the biggest problems faced is the religion and the desire to give birth as the “Hebrew woman’.

it was a house full of nurses, mothers, children and representatives of the health ministry at the yellowheart health forum in Calabar.

Mrs. Nsa Ita, the Cross River state ministry of health says, 12,000 women registered so far and it has reduced still birth deliveries in the state.

Hon. Mrs Stella Odey, Cross River Commissioner for Women affairs, giving a keynote address on behalf of the First lady of Cross River state, Dr.Mrs Linda Ayade

“Universal health care is paramount to reducing the indices of child mortality due to the prevailiing poverty situation in the country” – Dr.Edet Eti

Dr. Ebere of the Pathfinder international recommended that the government should provide emergency transport facilities which means that pregnant women are given vouchers that will provide free ambulance services in times of emergency

Cross River state has passed a bill signed into law that will address the issues of maternal and child mortality – Hon.Dr. Bassey, the chairman of house committee on health said.

Mrs. Tina Agbor, Secretary to the state Governor, representing the Governor, Ben Ayade, gave  a thank you message to MTN Foundation and reiterating the Governor’s dedication to improving health care sector of the state.