The Kogi government has commenced the implementation of the second round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week, aimed at providing essential healthcare services for vulnerable populations.

Speaking at the event on Wednesday 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, 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.

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 six to 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 to 59 months every six months, screen for acute malnutrition in children aged six to 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 Kogi.

The governor commended UNICEF, World Health Organisation, National Primary Health Care Development Agency and other development partners for their support in delivering quality healthcare services to the people.

Health commissioner Adeiza Abdulazeez, the Kogi commissioner for health, commended the governor’s administration for prioritising healthcare development in Kogi.

Mr Abdulazeez reiterated his ministry’s commitment 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,” he said. “This programme will provide essential healthcare services, including vaccination, nutrition counselling, and health education, to mothers and children across the state.”

Similarly, the executive director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Musa Mu’azu, said the campaign was aimed at safeguarding 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 six to 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,” Mr Mu’azu said.

In their various remarks, the representatives of WHO, UNICEF, Malaria Consortium, traditional rulers, and religious leaders pledged their support and collaboration to ensure a successful implementation. 

(NAN)