Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Oyebanji has commissioned a state-of-the-art Centre for Newborn Health Research and Innovation (CeNHRI) at the University Teaching Hospital, Ado Ekiti, describing the facility as a major milestone in his administration’s effort to improve maternal and newborn healthcare delivery in the State and the country at large.
Speaking while commissioning the facility, which is the first in Nigeria focusing solely on newborn, Governor Oyebanji said the centre would serve as a hub for cutting-edge research, innovation and clinical excellence aimed at addressing challenges associated with neonatal care and reduce infant mortality rate in the state and beyond.
Governor Oyebanji maintained that the facility reflects his government’s commitment to advancing scientific knowledge and reducing neonatal mortality, adding that the centre will serve as a platform for innovation, research, capacity building and evidence based healthcare intervention aimed at improving the survival and well-being of mothers and newborns.
Lamenting that thousands of African newborns die annually from preventable causes, particularly within the first few days, the Governor said the centre represents collective response to these challenges through science, innovation and collaboration.
According to him, the facility will serve as meeting point for researchers, clinicians, policymakers, development partners and communities to work together and develop practical solutions that save lives.
Governor Oyebanji said he was confident that the centre would soon produce ground breaking research, train future generation of healthcare professionals and influence healthcare policies.
He thanked the state’s development partners for their collaborations in advancing the health sector in the state.
