This is Cross River

UNICEF, CRSPHCDA Hold Technical Engagement on Maternal and Child Health Indicators in Cross River

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Enugu Field Office on March 12, 2026, held a high-level technical engagement with the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (CRSPHCDA) to review maternal and child health indicators and strengthen strategies for reducing mortality across the state.

The meeting, which took place at the agency’s headquarters, brought together senior health officials and programme managers to assess current data and develop targeted interventions aimed at improving healthcare delivery, particularly at the grassroots level.

Leading the UNICEF delegation was Public Health Specialist, Ifeyinwa Uzoamaka Anyanyo, who met with the Director General of CRSPHCDA, Vivien Mesembe Otu, alongside members of the agency’s technical team.

The engagement served as a strategic platform to evaluate maternal and child health (MCH) indicators in Cross River State, with discussions focusing on data-driven approaches to addressing maternal and neonatal mortality.

During the situation analysis, officials noted that the state has recorded significant progress in immunization coverage, achieving about 95 percent coverage. However, concerns remain over persistent maternal and neonatal mortality rates, particularly in high-burden Local Government Areas.

To address these challenges, the meeting outlined a series of strategic interventions anchored on improved data utilization, strengthened clinical capacity, and enhanced community engagement.

Under the data-driven policy framework, CRSPHCDA will leverage health information systems such as DHIS-2 and CHAMPS to identify LGAs with the highest mortality rates and deploy targeted interventions accordingly.

In the area of clinical excellence, the agency plans to distribute “Mama Kits” to expectant mothers and intensify training for Community Health Practitioners on emergency obstetric care to improve maternal outcomes.

The stakeholders also emphasized the need to strengthen system integration by bridging gaps between antenatal care services and child welfare programmes, ensuring a seamless continuum of care from pregnancy through early childhood.

Community-based approaches were equally highlighted, with plans to collaborate closely with Traditional Birth Attendants (TBAs), who will receive training to identify high-risk pregnancies and promptly refer such cases to primary health centres.

Speaking during the engagement, Dr. Otu reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to improving maternal health outcomes in the state.

> “Our vision is to ensure every woman in Cross River experiences a safe pregnancy. We are eliminating the ‘five delays’ because no mother should die while bringing life,” she said.

On her part, Dr. Anyanyo reiterated UNICEF’s readiness to support the state government in strengthening evidence-based public health interventions.

> “UNICEF remains committed to supporting Cross River State in refining its public health strategies. By focusing on evidence-based interventions, we can move the needle on neonatal and maternal indicators significantly,” she stated.

The meeting concluded with both parties reaffirming their commitment to the state government’s people-centred health agenda, while agreeing to institute quarterly reviews of maternal and child health indicators to track progress and ensure that the proposed interventions translate into measurable improvements in health outcomes.

CRSG, Partners Collaborate to Strengthen Nutrition Outcomes

The Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHCDA), in collaboration with development partners and government stakeholders, has commenced a five-day strategic workshop aimed at strengthening nutrition outcomes across Cross River State.

The technical session, which is taking place in Calabar, focuses on domesticating national nutrition and Social and Behaviour Change (SBC) strategies to reflect the state’s unique socio-cultural realities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony held at Dannic Hotels, the Director General of CRSPHCDA, Vivien Mesembe Otu, emphasized the importance of translating national policies into practical solutions that address local needs.

According to her, the initiative is designed to move beyond generic frameworks by developing context-specific interventions that can effectively tackle malnutrition and improve public health outcomes in the state.

“Our goal is to translate national policy into practical, locally adaptable interventions,” she said. “By refining these strategies, we are building a roadmap that enables frontline health workers and development partners to operate in a unified and measurable direction toward eliminating malnutrition.”

The workshop, supported by UNICEF and the Cross River State Ministry of Health, is structured around three major pillars: domestication, validation, and the development of a unified roadmap for implementation.

Under the domestication pillar, stakeholders will work to align national policies with the traditions, realities, and health needs of communities across the state. The validation process will ensure that all proposed interventions are practical, measurable, and capable of delivering tangible results. Meanwhile, the unified roadmap will serve as a guiding document for all partners involved in nutrition and public health interventions.

Participants at the workshop include government officials, nutrition experts, development partners, and frontline health workers who are expected to collectively design strategies for improving nutrition outcomes.

At the end of the five-day session, stakeholders are expected to produce a coordinated action plan that will serve as a blueprint for nutrition and health interventions across all 18 local government areas of Cross River State.

Obudu Council Chairman Undiandeye Hails Governor Otu on Silverbird Man of the Year Honour

The Executive Chairman of Obudu Local Government Council, Hon. Sir Peter Akonfe Undiandeye, PhD, has commended Cross River State Governor, Bassey Otu, on his recognition as Silverbird Man of the Year at a ceremony held in Lagos on Sunday.

Reacting on the sidelines of the event, Undiandeye described the honour as richly deserved, noting that it reflects the Governor’s visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to the growth and transformation of Cross River State.

He stated that the award serves as national validation of the Governor’s “People First” philosophy, which he said has driven efforts to rebuild critical institutions and reposition the state for sustainable progress.

Ntufam Undiandeye further stated that since assuming office, Governor Otu has championed an ambitious development agenda centered on industrial growth, infrastructure renewal, and environmental sustainability. His administration has initiated key road construction projects, promoted investment in manufacturing, and implemented community-based programmes designed to empower women and support vulnerable populations across the state.

The Obudu Council Chairman further commended Governor Otu’s inclusive and people-oriented policies, emphasizing that local government areas, including Obudu, have felt the positive impact of the administration’s developmental initiatives.

Undiandeye expressed optimism that the recognition would inspire the Governor to scale up ongoing reforms and infrastructural expansion, pledging his continued loyalty and support of the people of Obudu Local Government Area.

The carnival-like event was attended by the deputy governor, Rt. Hon. Peter Odey, Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Elvert Ayambem, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. (Dr) Emmanuel Ironbar, members of the National and State House of Assembly, Council Chairmen, top government officials and prominent personalities across the country.

Ikwen Atuaka
Chief Press Secretary to the
Chairman, Obudu Local Government Council

02/03/2026