The Ekiti State Government in Nigeria has initiated a significant improvement in maternal health outcomes by introducing digital health solutions across its healthcare facilities. According to the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health and Human Services, Mrs. Olusola Gbenga-Igotun, these new measures aim to enhance the quality of healthcare and make it more accessible to women, particularly pregnant women and nursing mothers. By leveraging digital technology, patients will no longer be required to physically visit health facilities to receive care, which is a game-changer for those in remote areas.

During a stakeholders’ engagement meeting in Ado Ekiti, Mrs. Gbenga-Igotun explained how the digital health system allows patients to utilize phone calls and messaging platforms like WhatsApp to seek medical attention. This initiative is part of the broader Maternal Health Advocacy and Communications project aimed at addressing the critical health needs of women in Ekiti State. The government believes that this approach will significantly reduce barriers to accessing maternal healthcare, especially for women in rural locations who may find it challenging to visit clinics.

This move towards digital health not only reflects the commitment of the Ekiti State Government towards improving maternal health but also underscores the potential of technology to transform public health systems in Nigeria. By enabling remote access to care, the initiative could lead to increased health service usage and ultimately better health outcomes for mothers and their children in the state, contributing to progress towards meeting broader public health goals and strategies.