Cross River Partners MTN Foundation onYellow Heart Initiative
Raheem Akingbolu
The Cross River State Government and the MTN Foundation, alongside other relevant healthcare agencies, have pledged to work collaboratively to tackle the menace of infant and maternal mortality in the state.
The partnership, which was announced during MTNF Yellow Heart Health Forum in Calabar recently, was a demonstration of MTN Foundation’s commitment to reduce maternal and child mortality by increasing awareness of the phenomenon in Nigeria and aligning with global efforts to meet the health targets of Sustainable Development Goals.
Speaking on the Foundation’s decision to support the Cross River State Government on this initiative, Director MTN Foundation, Mr. Dennis Okoro said: “We are very sensitive to challenges within our society and it is against this backdrop that the Foundation created a mandate to spend towards improving the state of healthcare, education and economic empowerment. We hope to use the Yellow Heart initiative to address predominant issues such as attitudes and cultural practices that hinder women and children from accessing healthcare services in the society”.
Expressing appreciation on behalf of the state Government, wife of the Governor of Cross River State, Dr. Linda Ayade commended the MTN Foundation for the Yellow Heart initiative and other impactful projects commissioned by the Foundation in the state. “The MTN Foundation deserves to be commended for initiating several interventions in the state, particularly in the area of health. The donation of the Y’ello Doctor mobile clinic and a hemodialysis center, and the renovation of the post-natal ward at the general hospital are among the several impactful initiatives of the MTN Foundation in the state and we are sincerely grateful.”
She further disclosed that the Yellow heart initiative aligns with actions of the state government in improving healthcare in the state. “We founded the Mediatrix Development Foundation (MDF) to channel health and development interventions that will address the needs of the vulnerable and less privileged in the state. 1000 persons have received dental and eye care including drugs and laboratory services, we have provided 219 free surgeries, 280 women have received breast and cervical cancer screening, among others”, she said.
Commenting on what the partnership means for the state, Commissioner for Health, Cross River, DrInyangAsibong said that the initiative would immensely improve the health and survival rate of women and children in Cross River State.