Delta State Maternal Mortality Drops, Crackdown on Health Worker Extortion

Delta State witnesses a significant drop in maternal mortality rates from 200 to 120 deaths per live birth, attributed to the Maternal Neonatal Mortality Reduction Innovation Initiatives (MAMII) Project. Commissioner of Health, Joseph Onojaeme, praises the reduction and highlights the importance of the program in high-risk areas like Ashaka, Ndokwa East Local Government Area.

Despite the state's free healthcare policy, some health workers were found extorting money from pregnant women and children under five. The government has taken disciplinary actions against the erring workers and emphasizes the need for proper fund utilization in maternal and child healthcare to ensure sustained progress.