MSF Builds Emergency Hospital To Combat Child Mortality In Borno

MSF Builds Emergency Hospital To Combat Child Mortality In Borno

By Francis Okoye

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has commissioned an emergency hospital in Kushari, in Maiduguri, the Borno State capital to tackle the rising rate of child mortality and challenges faced by pregnant women in the state .

Speaking yesterday in Maiduguri , MSF Chief Medical Director, Catherine Overloop stated that the hospital’s primary objective is to ensure no child or pregnant woman dies from preventable causes.

She said MSF goal is to provide timely and quality medical care to children and newborns in emergency situations, thereby reducing the high mortality rate in the state.

She explained that the emergency hospital, equipped with a neonatal intensive care unit, will operate 24/7 to cater to the medical needs of pregnant women, newborns, and children under 15.

The Secretary to the State Government, Bukar Tijjani, representing acting Governor Umar Kadafur, commended the significant role played by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) in providing sustainable healthcare solutions to the people of Borno State.

“We believe this hospital aims to address emergency situations concerning pregnant mothers, newborns, and nursing mothers in Borno State.”

“We also acknowledged the MSF’s efforts in building hospitals and healthcare centers in the state, including the one in Kushari.

Commissioner of Health and Human Resources , Prof. Baba Malum Gana stated that MSF’s intervention has significantly impacted the healthcare sector in Borno State. He commended MSF for building the Kushari hospital, which provides 24/7 emergency services for pregnant mothers, newborns, and nursing mothers.

He said the hospital’s neonatal intensive care unit has reduced neonatal mortality rates in Borno, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the North East region.

The Commissioner expressed appreciation for MSF’s partnership with the state government, leading to the allocation of land for additional healthcare facilities. He urged traditional leaders to create awareness about seeking medical care during and after pregnancy, preventing health problems and preventable deaths. This initiative improves healthcare outcomes in Borno State, where over 400,000 pregnant women need quality medical care. MSF reaffirms its commitment to reducing child mortality and newborn deaths, saving countless lives and improving vulnerable communities’ well-being.

MSF Medical Deputy Coordinator of Operations, Ximena Andrea Compos reiterated that saving children and mothers is the major priority encouraging MSF to build the hospital facility in Kushari ward.

“Building the hospital realizes the organization’s agenda to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality in the region,” she said.

MSF Builds Emergency Hospital To Combat Child Mortality In Borno