The Abia Government has introduced a digital application, CyTrack, to identify and track high-risk pregnancies as part of efforts to improve maternal healthcare and reduce maternal and child mortality in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Mr Okey Kanu, disclosed this on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting in Umuahia.
Kanu said the application had been successfully piloted in tracking teenage pregnancies and monitoring cases through delivery, enabling health officials to identify and manage potential complications.
He said the initiative was part of the health sector reforms of the Gov. Alex Otti-led administration aimed at improving access to quality healthcare and strengthening maternal and child health services.
The commissioner said 151 Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) had so far been functionalised, with another 25 equipped centres expected to be operational within three weeks.
He also said enrolment in the Abia State Health Insurance Scheme increased from 233,000 to 237,000 between July 27 and Aug. 7.
Kanu said the Abiriba Community Improvement Union, North America, had committed to sponsoring more than 1,000 indigent residents under the informal sector of the health insurance scheme.
He disclosed that 742 medical personnel had so far been recruited, adding that the next phase would focus on medical officers, dental officers and consultants.
On other developments, Kanu said the government had directed the rehabilitation of the World Bank Housing Estate, Abayi-Umuocham, Aba, including improvements to roads and other facilities.
He added that a new transformer had been provided for Amauba Estate to address electricity challenges.
Kanu also announced plans to mark Abia’s 35th anniversary with a week-long programme featuring project inaugurations and the flag-off of new projects, including the Obingwa General Hospital and Cottage Hospital, Abayi, Aba, and the Pocket Layout Estate in Umuahia.
