Borno State Government has commissioned an emergency hospital built by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in Kushari, Borno, to combat the high rate of child mortality and newborn deaths in the state.
Speaking in Maiduguri on Tuesday, the MSF Chief Medical Director Catherine Overloop, said the hospital’s primary objective is to ensure that no child or pregnant woman dies from preventable causes.
According to her, the hospital, equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit and will operate 24/7 to provide timely and quality medical care to children and newborns in emergencies.
Delivering his speech, the Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, representing Acting Governor Umar Kadafur, commended MSF’s efforts in building hospitals and healthcare centers in the state, including the one in Kushari.
He acknowledged the significant role played by MSF in providing sustainable healthcare solutions to the people of Borno State.
Commissioner of Health and Human Resources Prof. Baba Malum Gana stated that MSF’s intervention has significantly impacted the healthcare sector in Borno State. He commended MSF for building the Kushari Hospital, which provides 24/7 emergency services for pregnant mothers, newborns, and nursing mothers. The hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has reduced neonatal mortality rates in Borno, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the North East region.
The Commissioner expressed appreciation for MSF’s partnership with the state government, leading to the allocation of land for additional healthcare facilities. He urged traditional leaders to create awareness about seeking medical care during and after pregnancy, preventing health problems and preventable deaths.
This initiative improves healthcare outcomes in Borno State, where over 400,000 pregnant women need quality medical care. MSF reaffirms its commitment to reducing child mortality and newborn deaths, saving countless lives, and improving vulnerable communities’ well-being.
MSF Medical Deputy Coordinator of Operations Ximena Andrea Compos reiterated that saving children and mothers is the major priority, encouraging MSF to build the hospital facility in Kushari ward. Building the hospital realizes the organisation’s agenda to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the region.
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