CAN Demands Tough Law on Church Maternity Homes in Cross River
By Ekanem Asuquo
The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Biase Chapter, has appealed to the Cross River State Government to introduce clear regulations for church-operated maternity homes, citing their growing role in maternal and child deaths across the state.
At a town hall meeting in Biase, where the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) presented its latest findings, CAN Chairman Rev. Victor Okon warned that poorly supervised maternity centres run by churches and traditional birth attendants were endangering pregnant women and children under five.
He condemned pastors who discourage their members from visiting public hospitals or accepting medically recommended caesarean sections, describing such teachings as misleading and a threat to safe childbirth.
CHAMPS Community Engagement Lead and former Health Commissioner, Prof. Angela Oyo-Ita, representing University of Calabar Vice Chancellor Prof. Florence Obi, explained that the meeting was organised to share research outcomes, gauge community feedback, and design practical measures to prevent maternal and under-five deaths. She stressed that partnerships between government, health experts, and local communities are crucial to improving pregnancy and child survival rates.
Speaking, the Paramount ruler of Biase, His Royal Highness Onun Apostle Nicholas Odim, commended CHAMPS for taking deliberate steps to tackle maternal and child mortality. He pledged the support of traditional institutions for the group’s ongoing interventions.
Meanwhile,Biase Local Government Chairman, Hon. Edadi Enyong, has lauded CHAMPS for donating an ultrasound machine to the Cottage Hospital, Akpet, and for supplying Mama Kits and other logistics to support expectant mothers.
Edadi who spoke in an interview noted that these interventions had increased the use of government health facilities and strengthened service delivery, pledging continued cooperation with CHAMPS and other partners.
Dr. Bassey Etim, who represented the Director General of the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency, highlighted current reforms such as upgrading facilities, hiring more personnel, and boosting funding for training. He said the state was also equipping traditional birth attendants with skills and referral tools, particularly in hard-to-reach areas where their services remain relevant.
Presenting an overview of the CHAMPS report, Dr. Edward Odey said the forum was intended to refine strategies, encourage reliance on public health facilities, and strengthen responses to maternal and child mortality challenges across Cross River State.
