By BANNERNEWS Reporter
Two pregnant women from Ntan Obu community in Eniong Abatim, Odukpani LGA, have died while attempting to travel by river to access health services in Itu LGA, Akwa Ibom State.
The victims, whose names were not immediately disclosed, died on separate days along the same route while seeking medical attention.
Ikpeme Asanye, a resident of Ntan Obu, spoke on Sparkling FM’s Community Report segment on Monday, using the recent International Women’s Day to highlight the struggles faced by women in his community.
“I have repeatedly called on radio programmes to draw attention to the lack of public facilities in Ntan Obu.
“We have no access roads. Residents must travel by river boats to Itu before connecting to other parts of our state. It is a very long and difficult journey, and our women suffer the most.
“Recently, two heavily pregnant women died on this same river route while seeking antenatal care,” Asanye lamented.
He urged the state government to provide primary healthcare facilities and proper access roads to ease travel for residents.
Last month, Dr. Vivienne Bassey, Director-General of the Cross River State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, said at a public function that the government plans to upgrade all 1,045 PHC centers across the state and establish new facilities in hard-to-reach communities. Currently, 196 PHC centers are providing services.
