Kogi State government has commenced 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 event yesterday in Lokoja, Governor Ahmed Ododo emphasised the importance of healthcare interventions for mothers and children, and urged parents to bring their wards forward to benefit from it.
According to him, MNCHW is aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality rates in mothers and children under five years old in Nigeria.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to enhance healthcare delivery, 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 provision of Vitamin A supplements, to at least 80 percent of children aged 6-59 months every six months.
“To achieve this, the state government has invested in the health sector, aiming to reduce maternal, newborn and child mortality rate in the state.
“We also hope to achieve this by deworming children aged 12-59 months every six months, screen for acute malnutrition in children aged 6-59 months and refer those who are malnourished,” he said.
He, therefore, urged the health officers to ensure that the services get to the targeted population across the state.
The governor commended UNICEF, World Health Organisation, WHO, National Primary Health Care Development Agency, NPHCDA, and other development partners for their support in delivering quality healthcare services to the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez commended the governor for prioritising healthcare development in the state.
Abdulazeez reiterated the commitment of his ministry to ensure that primary healthcare services remain accessible, equitable and of high quality.
“MNCHW is a critical initiative aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kogi.
“This programme will provide essential healthcare services, including vaccination, nutrition counseling and health education to mothers and children across the state,” he said.
Similarly, the Executive Director, Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, KSPHCDA, Dr Musa Mu’azu said the campaign is aimed at safeguarding the future of children in the state.
“The bi-annual event ensures that eligible children under one year receive routine immunisation, pregnant women receive TD vaccine, and children between 6-59 months receive vitamin A supplements, among other healthcare services.
“These efforts demonstrate the governor’s dedication to improve healthcare outcomes and reduce reliance on external medical services.
“Let us work together to ensure the success of this initiative and improve healthcare services for our residents,” Mu’azu said.
In their various remarks, representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Malaria Consortium, traditional rulers and religious leaders, pledged their support to ensure a successful implementation.
