MDGs Achievable In Rivers – Dr Parker

The State Government has reiterated its determination to ensure that the 4th, 5th and 6th Millennium Development Goals were achieved in Rivers State.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Sampson Parker gave this indication last Monday while speaking at a parley with news men in his office in Port Harcourt.

Dr. Parker said, the 4th, 5th and 6th goals which emphasise the reduction of child mortality, improved maternal health and the combat of HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis and other diseases were important because available health care indicators show that about 1,000,000 Nigerian children die before their fifth birthday.

While 52, 900 women die from pregnancy related complications annually.

Government intends to create a massive awareness to empower the people to build the skills and capacity of community members especially the vulnerable group, pregnant women, children under five years of age and the elderly on the utilisation and maintenance of the new health facilities built across the state.

The commissioner explained that engaging Traditional and Religions leaders as well as employing the traditional media on high level advocacy were critical to community participation in development, stating that this level of community participation would build confidence and trust between the government and the people.

Oscar Nwaoyibo