TheCable

Nkechinyere Mbah, wife of the Enugu governor, has launched Custos Care Foundation (CCF) to address issues of maternal and child mortality in the state.

Speaking during the launch of the foundation on Thursday, the wife of the governor said the project was set up to reduce maternal and infant mortality by 2030 in the state.

The foundation was flagged off across the three senatorial zones in the state.

Mbah said she is determined to remove all barriers against social security and inclusion, adding that the foundation would pay a one-year health insurance premium for 33 mothers in each of the three senatorial zones.

The governor’s wife said the health insurance premium would cover the welfare of children below the age of five.

She said despite the government’s efforts in achieving the 2030 sustainable development goal (SDG) agenda, many women find it difficult to access healthcare services due to poverty.

“Still, there is a need for private citizens to participate in this quest to preserve the future of our people because there is no future without mothers and children,” NAN quoted her as saying.

“We dream that by 2030, Enugu will be free from maternal and child mortality. This is why I have decided that my foundation CCF will contribute towards achieving these targets.

“By the Grace of God, we will accomplish this by partnering with relevant agencies and individuals.

“This project is very dear to me because women and children constitute the most vulnerable people in our society, and it is worthy of note that one of the most significant challenges faced by women and children is maternal and child mortality.

“The world has battled against this enemy since time immemorial and stands united to eradicate it. There is nothing as painful as the death of a mother and child.”

Some of the LGAs that benefitted include Oji River in Enugu west, Nkanu west in Enugu east, and Nsukka in Enugu north senatorial zone of the state.