Some of the ANC kits.
By Anietie Akpan
Akamkpa Local Government Area (LGA) has witnessed the flag-off of a special intervention programme for the distribution of over 1,000 antenatal care (ANC) kits to pregnant women.
The initiative is a product of the benevolent synergy between the Governor of Cross River State, Sen. Bassey Edet Otu, and his wife, Dr. Eyoanwan Bassey Otu, in collaboration with the Cross River State Primary Health Care Development Agency (CRSPHC) and the Akamkpa LGA.
A press release from the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman, Daniel Agbor, said the initiative is a remarkable show of commitment to grassroots healthcare delivery by the governor.
At a brief but significant ceremony held in Akamkpa recently, the Council Chairman, Hon. Felix Akposi, ably represented by the Supervisor for Health, Mr. Maurice Asengita, presented the items to frontline health workers across the 10 political wards of the local government.
He described the initiative as “a tangible expression of compassion and proactive leadership aimed at safeguarding maternal and child health at the grassroots”.
“We are deeply grateful to the Governor and his amiable wife for this timely intervention,” Asengita stated. “Their Excellencies have shown once again that true leadership is not found in rhetoric, but in practical steps that touch the lives of the vulnerable. This is classical benevolence in action.”
The Supervisor also expressed gratitude to development partners like Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders), CHAMPS, and other stakeholders who have continued to make meaningful contributions toward revitalising the healthcare ecosystem in Akamkpa noting that the collaborative efforts of both government and non-governmental actors reflect an emerging renaissance in the local health sector.
Reinforcing this sentiment, the Local Government Deputy Director of Health, Mrs. Agnes Itabang lauded the state administration for prioritising maternal health, stressing that the distribution of over 1,000 ANC kits would directly improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce maternal and infant mortality in the area.
“This is a major boost to our work. The kits will go a long way in encouraging early antenatal visits and ensuring that our women receive the care they need throughout pregnancy. We are sincerely thankful to the Otu-led administration for this laudable gesture,” she said.
The intervention aligns with Governor Otu’s broader vision of people-first governance and holistic healthcare reform. It also echoes the First Lady’s maternal health advocacy, which continues to inspire state-wide action towards reducing preventable deaths among pregnant women and newborns.
As Akamkpa reaps the fruits of a compassionate and visionary government, the distribution of antenatal kits stands as a testament that when leadership and love converge, even the most vulnerable are remembered and empowered.
