Newborn babies in Rivers State are now to be screened with a view to detecting genetic disorders early before symptoms begin to appear in order to save lives.
The deputy governor of the state, Prof. Ngozi Ordu, said during the launch of the newborn screening Programme in Port Harcourt, that the state government is taking proactive steps towards preventing infant mortality and morbidity.
Rivers state is the first state in Nigeria to introduce the newborn screening programme aimed at preventing infant mortality and morbidity.
The initiative is also to detect genetic disorders early among newborns, especially from birth, and as well assist health workers to get or know the accurate information rather than relying on guesswork.
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The Rivers state deputy governor, prof Ngozi Ordu, said the initiative will give every child the opportunity to grow in their full potential.
The chief medical director of RSUTH, Prof Chizindu Alikor, also noted that the programme will help early detection of newborns and improve better outcomes
The initiative also reflects the state government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery, promote preventive medicine and ensure every born child is given the healthiest form of treatment.
(Editor: Nkoli Omhoudu)
