By Joy Salami
Kogi State Government has flagged off the second round of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week, a vital initiative aimed at reducing morbidity and mortality rates among mothers and children under five years old.
The campaign, spearheaded by Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo, underscores the state’s commitment to improving healthcare delivery, particularly for women and children.
At the official launch, Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to routine immunization for children aged 0-59 months, community mobilisation for healthcare services, vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6-59 months, deworming of children aged 12-59 months, and screening for acute malnutrition.
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To demonstrate his commitment, the Governor personally administered vitamin A supplements to children and provided essential maternal healthcare packages to mothers.
He emphasised that the state has made significant investments in the health sector to curb maternal and child mortality, ensuring that Kogi residents have access to quality healthcare without relying heavily on external medical services.
Speaking at the flag-off ceremony, Dr. Musa Omeiza, Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), stressed the importance of the MNCH Week in securing a healthier future for children.
He noted that the bi-annual campaign provides routine immunization for children under one year, tetanus-diphtheria (TD) vaccines for pregnant women, and vitamin A supplements for children aged 6-59 months.
Dr. Mu’azu expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo and all stakeholders for their unwavering support and called on residents to participate actively in the exercise to maximize its benefits.
In his remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullazeez Adeiza, lauded Governor Ododo’s leadership, describing his administration as health-friendly and transformative.
He highlighted the remarkable improvements in Kogi’s healthcare sector, attributing them to the Governor’s dedication to the well-being of the people.
The MNCH Week complements routine healthcare services, ensuring that all mothers and children receive immunizations, vitamin A supplements, deworming tablets, malnutrition screenings, and iron-folic acid supplements for pregnant women
Representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), World Health Organization (WHO), United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), Malaria Consortium, religious leaders, and traditional rulers, including the Ohiogba of Mozum, King Bukar Ali Khalid II, commended the initiative.
They expressed appreciation to the Federal Ministry of Health and NPHCDA for launching the programme and hoped it would significantly improve the lives of mothers, children, and communities across the state.
The flag-off ceremony was attended by key government officials, including the Accountant General of Kogi State, Hajia Habibat Tijani; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon. Aliyu Bello; Special Adviser on Health, Hon. Jibrin Okikiri; Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Dorcas Enehe; Executive Secretary, Kogi State Health Insurance Agency (KSHIA), Dr. Aledare Adekunle; and Pharm. Salamatu Yunusa of the State Drug Management Agency.
Also present were the Chief Medical Directors of Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Prof. Isah Adagiri; Hospital Management Board, Dr. Ayo Olayemi; and Prince Audu Teaching Hospital, Anyigba, Dr. Nayo Anthony.
The event witnessed a large turnout of pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, market women, and community members, all eager to benefit from the free healthcare services provided under the MNCH Week initiative.
