The Kogi 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 on Wednesday in Lokoja, Gov. 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, the 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 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.
“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.
“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 referring those who are malnourished,” he said.
He, therefore urged the health officers to ensure that the services got 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.
Earlier, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, the Kogi Commissioner for Health, commended the governor’s administration for prioritising healthcare development in the state.
Abdulazeez reiterated the commitment of his ministry to ensuring that primary healthcare services remain accessible, equitable, and of high quality.
“The MNCHW is a critical initiative aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality rates in Kogi.
“This program 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 was aimed to safeguard the future of children 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 the governor’s dedication to improving healthcare outcomes in Kogi, and reducing 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, the representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Malaria Consortium, traditional rulers, and religious leaders, all pledged their support and collaborations to ensure a successful implementation. (NAN)
