C’River Monarchs Back Maternal, Infant Mortality Research
By Ekanem Asuquo
Traditional rulers in Cross River State have pledged their support for research initiatives aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality across the state.
The royal fathers gave the assurance during their first quarterly meeting in 2026 held in Calabar, where they engaged health researchers from the University of Calabar implementing the Pregnancy Risks, Infant Surveillance and Measurement Alliance programme.
The Paramount Ruler of Abi and Chairman of the Cross River State Council of Chiefs, Ovai Solomon Osim Edward JP, emphasized the need for collaboration among traditional institutions, government agencies, and the health sector to tackle the persistent challenge of maternal and child deaths.
“We are deeply interested in this project because it is targeted at addressing the disturbing rate of maternal and infant deaths in our communities. We cannot continue to lose our daughters to pregnancy related complications and our infants to preventable causes,” he said.
He noted that maternal and infant mortality remain critical public health concerns, especially in rural communities where access to quality healthcare services is limited. He added that cultural practices, low health awareness, and delays in seeking medical attention continue to contribute to the high mortality rate.
Also speaking, Professor Itam Hogan Itam, a renowned gynaecologist and Paramount Ruler of the Efut Kingdom, expressed satisfaction with the choice of Cross River for the project. He noted that the research would help improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce infant mortality.
He stressed the importance of evidence based research in designing effective interventions and assured that traditional institutions would cooperate fully by mobilizing communities, encouraging participation, and promoting safe health practices.
Earlier, the team leader of the programme, Professor Martin Meremikwu, explained that the initiative is a major international research effort aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality. He said the pilot phase would be carried out in Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, and Biase Local Government Areas.
He added that the study will track pregnancy outcomes and associated risks among women and newborns, generating data to improve maternal and child health outcomes in low and middle income countries.
In his remarks, the co chief investigator, Professor Saturday Etuk, said engagement with traditional rulers is essential to building the cooperation needed for the success of the project.
“We are going into communities and villages, so it is important to carry traditional rulers along to gain access, acceptance, and the support required,” he said.
According to the project brief, the study will enroll pregnant women at less than 20 weeks gestation through community and health facility based surveillance, with participants monitored through pregnancy, delivery, and up to one year after childbirth.
Researchers say the findings will help identify key risk factors, guide interventions, and improve maternal and newborn health outcomes across the country.
