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New Emergency Obstetrical Facility Opens in Maiduguri
New Emergency Obstetrical Facility Opens in Maiduguri
By: Our Reporter
In a significant stride towards addressing maternal and neonatal mortality in the state of Borno, a new emergency medical facility has been inaugurated today in the state’s capital city, Maiduguri. Run by the Ministry of Health, Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) will provide technical and financial support for at least three years. The facility will provide life-saving care to women facing obstetrical complications and neonates requiring urgent medical attention.
Built by medical charity MSF and operated under the auspices of the Borno Ministry of Health, the 92-bed facility will operate as a referral center, exclusively admitting patients referred by other selected medical institutions to provide specialized care for obstetrical complications and neonatal emergencies, ensuring that individuals in critical condition receive prompt and proficient treatment. Operational Phase 1 will open with 20 adult beds and 10 neonatal beds ramping up to full capacity by July 2025.
The strategic partnership between the Borno Ministry of Health and MSF in this large-scale project underscores a shared commitment to increasing access to healthcare and combating preventable deaths.
“The opening of this facility marks a pivotal moment in our ongoing efforts to strengthen maternal and infant care services in Borno”, said Professor Abubakar Kullima, Chief Medical Director of Borno State Hospital Management Board. “Reducing the devastating impact of maternal and infant deaths is an absolute priority for the Borno government, and the Ministry of Health is committed to make this facility an excellence centre in this objective.
The invaluable support from MSF in this project will be key in achieving this.”
Until 2029, the international medical charity MSF will provide medical and financial support to the Ministry of Health staff to increase its autonomy in delivering high-quality maternal and neonatal care services. In the coming five years, a gradual transition plan will be implemented to transfer competencies and knowledge and complete withdrawal of MSF from the facility.
“We are most delighted to partner with the State Ministry of Health for such an important, life-saving project” said Karsten Noko, MSF head of mission in Nigeria. “With Borno State continuing to grapple with high mortality rates among mothers and newborns, the inauguration of this referral facility signifies a beacon of hope for women with obstetric complications. Yet, much more remains to be done to increase access to antenatal care for women, to detect and treat complications before they become a threat. Investment in basic maternal care for all women remains key to reduce the alarming rates of maternal and infant deaths in this region.”
The facility could provide care to over 7,000 women in need on a yearly basis. Admissions to the facility will be done through referrals from selected basic emergency obstetric and newborn care facilities in Maiduguri Metropolitan Council and Jere LGAs. MSF supports six of these centres.
New Emergency Obstetrical Facility Opens in Maiduguri
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Suspected bandits have killed the leader of hunters in Tine Nune community, Ukum Local Government Area of Benue.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday evening, happened while the victim, identified as Hilenen Terzungwe, was on patrol with five others along Biriji village.
Terzungwe sustained severe machete cuts during the attack and was rushed to a medical facility in Tine Nune, where he later died while receiving treatment.
His remains have since been deposited at the General Hospital, Zaki-Biam.
Security has been strengthened in the area to forestall further attacks, while investigations into the incident are ongoing.
End
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Security forces have intensified patrols and peace-building efforts in Anyiatse village, Jato-Aka, Kwande Local Government Area of Benue, following the killing of a Fulani herdsman by suspected youths of the community.
Zagazola learnt that the incident, which occurred on Tuesday night, has heightened fears of a reprisal attack by Fulani groups in the area.
Sources said the herdsman was attacked and killed in the bush, sparking tension among residents and neighbouring communities.
In response, security personnel were deployed to the area to forestall further violence, while traditional rulers and stakeholders have been engaged in dialogue to restore calm.
The measures, according to local authorities, are aimed at preventing a breakdown of law and order as investigations into the killing continue
End.
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
By: Zagazola Makama
Gunmen suspected to be Fulani militias have killed five persons and burnt 10 houses in Tim village, Chakfem District of Mangu Local Government Area, Plateau.
Zagazola Makama report that the attack, which occurred on Tuesday at about 4 p.m., saw the assailants storm the community, shooting sporadically before setting thatched houses ablaze.
Local sources said the victims’ corpses had been evacuated for burial, while the injured were receiving treatment in nearby health facilities.
Community members disclosed that the assault might have been carried out in retaliation for cattle allegedly rustled in the area.
Troops of the Special Task Force (STF) were deployed to the scene and engaged the attackers in a firefight, forcing them to flee, with some believed to have sustained bullet wounds.
Residents said calm had returned to the area on Wednesday, though the village remains tense as investigations continue and efforts are being made to apprehend those behind the attack.
End
Bandits kill hunters’ leader in Benue
Security forces move to avert reprisal after killing of herdsman in Benue
Gunmen kill five, burn houses in Mangu LGA, Plateau
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