The wife of Bayelsa State Governor, Dr. Racheal Dickson, says as part of the measures to reduce the rate of maternal/infant mortality in the state, the government will henceforth pay pregnant women on a monthly basis.
She said the stipend would enable the pregnant women to buy whatever they need during the pregnancy period, stressing that the government would also care for them medically to reduce cases of maternal and infant mortality.
Mrs. Dickson said the recent pronouncement by the state government of providing support for pregnant women in the state was part of efforts geared towards reducing maternal and infant mortality in the state.
She spoke in Yenagoa, Bayelsa State capital, during the commencement of a three-day programme for ‘Royal Queens’ in the Niger Delta organised by the Bayelsa State Traditional Rulers Wives’ Association, a Government House statement said on Friday.
She said the government was concerned about the wellbeing of pregnant women and had put in place measures to ensure they get monthly stipend and other benefits until they safely give birth to their baby.
She expressed worry over the number of avoidable deaths, saying most of them would not have occurred if adequate care was given to the women.
According to her, every pregnant woman in the state is very important to the government as the nine months’ period of their pregnancy is very sensitive and requires the needed attention.
Mrs. Dickson said, “We will be paying our women who are pregnant monthly to ensure they are able to buy whatever they need. We will also care for them medically to ensure that cases of maternal and infant mortality are reduced.
“Most of the deaths you hear of involving pregnant women could have been avoided if they were well cared for. We are concerned about such avoidable deaths and by God’s grace, we will reduce and even stop it.”
While calling on pregnant women to take advantage of the offer by visiting government-owned hospitals, she also advised them against foods that are not good for them during their pregnancy.
Mrs Dickson equally urged the visiting Queens to use their positions to support women, especially girl-child education, saying the government in Bayelsa is strongly championing.
