Despite notable progress in maternal and newborn health, many women in Akwa Ibom State continue to face challenges in accessing timely, quality Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (EmONC) services. Complications during pregnancy and childbirth remain a leading cause of maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality, while women living with obstetric fistula often experience stigma, social isolation, and limited access to specialised treatment and rehabilitation services. Strengthening health facilities, building the capacity of healthcare workers, and expanding access to quality maternal and fistula care services, therefore, remain critical priorities.
Data from the 2023–24 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) indicates mixed progress in maternal health outcomes in the state. While 80.6% of women received antenatal care from a skilled provider and 65.7% completed at least four antenatal visits, only 51.5% of births were assisted by a skilled provider and just 38.6% occurred in a health facility. Postnatal care coverage has improved, with 69.2% of newborns receiving a postnatal check within two days of birth, compared to 48.2% in 2018. However, gaps remain in access to quality maternal and newborn healthcare services, particularly in emergency obstetric care and specialised fistula treatment.
Recognising these challenges, UNFPA, with funding from the Government of Norway and in partnership with the Akwa Ibom State Government, implemented interventions and supported strategic investments aimed at strengthening EmONC services, improving health facility readiness, expanding access to fistula care, and enhancing the capacity of healthcare workers to provide quality maternal and newborn health services.
These efforts culminated in a series of commissioning events attended by the UNFPA Nigeria Representative, Ms. Muriel Mafico, the Deputy Head of Mission of the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Nigeria, Ms. Kristin Wæringsaasen, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Ekem Emmanuel John, representing the Executive Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Bassey Eno, alongside state government officials, traditional leaders, healthcare workers, and the community members.
At Union Cottage Hospital, Assong, one of the ten health facilities supported under the UNFPA-Norway-funded project, significant upgrades were undertaken to strengthen the delivery of quality maternal and newborn health services. The intervention included the renovation of key infrastructure, equipping of the maternity ward and theatre, installation of a solar-powered water system, and provision of a tricycle ambulance to improve emergency referrals. Additionally, midwives and nurses received training on safe delivery practices and life-saving maternal and newborn care skills, enhancing the quality of care available to women and newborns.
At Immanuel General Hospital Eket, a renovated and fully equipped theatre has expanded access to fistula repair services, bringing specialised care closer to women who previously had limited treatment options. To strengthen service delivery, nine healthcare workers were trained on the basic management of obstetric fistula. By providing essential fistula and midwifery kits and medical equipment, the project translated quality care into measurable results. Across supported centres in the state, 468 fistula repair surgeries were successfully performed, with an average success rate of 90 per cent at 8 weeks post-discharge. These results demonstrate the transformative impact of investing in both infrastructure and skilled healthcare personnel to restore health and dignity to women affected by a fistula.
A particularly memorable moment was the interaction with fistula survivors, who shared their journeys from isolation and hardship to healing and renewed confidence. The presentation of dignity kits further underscored the commitment to supporting survivors beyond surgery and helping them reintegrate into their communities.
During a courtesy visit to the Deputy Governor, Senator Akon Eyakenyi, she expressed appreciation to UNFPA and the Government of Norway for their continued partnership and investments in the health and well-being of women and girls in the state. She reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to addressing reproductive health challenges, strengthening maternal healthcare services, and promoting economic empowerment opportunities for women and girls as part of the state’s broader development agenda.
These investments are delivering lasting impact by strengthening health facilities, building the capacity of healthcare workers, improving access to life-saving maternal health services, and expanding fistula treatment closer to communities. Most importantly, they are helping to ensure safer childbirth, restore dignity to fistula survivors, and create a stronger, more resilient healthcare system for women and families across Akwa Ibom State.
Thank you to the Government of Norway for the funding support which is transforming lives.
