Kogi launches 2nd round implementation of maternal newborn, child health week
Gov. Ahmed Ododo of Kogi, has launched the implementation of the second round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), aimed at providing essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
Speaking at the ceremony in Lokoja, the governor emphasised the importance of healthcare interventions for mothers and children, and urged parents to bring their wards forward to benefit from the intervention.
According to him, the MNCHW is aimed to reduce morbidity and mortality rates in mothers and children under five years old in Nigeria.
Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhancing healthcare delivery in the state, particularly for women and children through free access to routine immunisation for mothers and children aged 0-59 months.
He stressed the need to mobilise communities and create demand for routine service provisions of Vitamin A supplements to at least 80 per cent of children aged 6-59 months every six months.
“Deworming of children aged 12-59 months every six months, screen for acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months and refer those who are malnourished.
“To achieve this, the State government has invested heavily in the health sector, aiming to reduce maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates in the state,” he said
He, therefore urged the health officers to ensure that the services get to the targeted population across the state.
The governor commended the UNICEF, World Health Organization (WHO) and National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and other development partners, for their support in delivering quality healthcare services to the people.
Also speaking, Dr. Abdul Azeez Adeiza, the state’s Commissioner for Health, commended the governor’s administration for prioritising healthcare development in the state.
The commissioner reaffimed the commitment of his ministry to ensuring that the primary healthcare services remained accessible, equitable, and of high quality.
“The MNCHW is a critical initiative aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kogi State.
“This program will provide essential healthcare services, including vaccination, nutrition counseling, and health education, to mothers and children across the state,” he said.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Musa Mu’azu, said the program was organised by the Agency in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health, aimed to safeguard children’s future in the state
“The bi-annual event ensures eligible children under one year receive routine immunisation, pregnant women receive the TD vaccine, and children between 6-59 months receive vitamin A supplements, among other healthcare services.
“These efforts demonstrate Governor Ododo’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in Kogi State and reducing reliance on external medical services.
Dr. Mu’azu, therefore expressed his gratitude to the Governor for prioritising quality healthcare services to the vulnerable citizens across the state.
The ED further appreciated the stakeholders, and partners for their support, and called for active participation to ensure that all eligible target groups received the interventions.
“Let us work together to ensure the success of this initiative and improve healthcare services for our citizens,” Dr Mu’azu said.
In their various comments, the representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Malaria Consortium, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, all promised their total support and collaborations to ensuring a successful implementation campaign.
The stakeholders commended the state government’s efforts to improve healthcare services and pledged their continued support for the advancing healthcare initiative across the state.
The governor launched the campaign by administering vitamin A supplements to children between 6-59 months and providing pluses to mothers.
The flag-off ceremony marked the beginning of a week-long campaign to provide essential healthcare services to mothers and children across the state, and is part of the state government’s efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality rates and improve healthcare services for vulnerable populations.
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