Olu Samuel

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”you.

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