The second round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week is launched by the Kogi State Government
Kogi State Government Launches Second Round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week
The Kogi State Government, through the Kogi State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, has commenced the second round of the Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW).
The event, held on January 28, 2025, underscores the state’s commitment to reducing morbidity and mortality rates among mothers and children under five years of age. Led by the Executive Governor, Alh. Usman Ahmed Ododo, the campaign prioritizes essential healthcare services, including routine immunization for children aged 0-59 months.
Governor Ododo reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to strengthening healthcare delivery, emphasizing the importance of routine immunizations and other interventions. To kick off the initiative, the Governor personally administered vitamin A supplements to children under five.
Speaking at the event, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdullazeez Adams Adeiza, lauded Governor Ododo’s leadership in advancing the health sector. He highlighted the administration’s significant investments in healthcare, which have notably improved maternal, newborn, and child health outcomes across the state.
Dr. Abdullazeez noted the transformative changes under Governor Ododo’s tenure, citing the Governor’s unwavering focus on reducing dependency on external medical services by enhancing local healthcare delivery.
Dr. Mu’azu, also present at the launch, expressed gratitude to Governor Ododo, stakeholders, and partners for their collaborative efforts in supporting the MNCHW. He urged widespread participation in the campaign to ensure all eligible groups receive the life-saving interventions.
Goodwill Messages
Representatives from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and other partners praised the Federal Ministry of Health and NPHCDA for initiating the program. They expressed hope that it would significantly improve the health and well-being of mothers, children, and communities across Kogi State.
Notable Attendees
The event saw the attendance of dignitaries including:
- Hajia Habibat Tijani, Accountant General of Kogi State
- Hon. Aliyu Bello, Chief of Staff to the Governor
- Hon. Jibrin Okikiri, Special Adviser on Health
- Mrs. Dorcas Enehe, Permanent Secretary, State Ministry of Health
- Dr. Aledare Adekunle, Executive Secretary, KSHIA
- Pharm. Salamatu Yunusa, State Drug Management Agency
- Prof. Isah Adagiri, Chief Medical Director, Kogi State Specialist Hospital
- Dr. Ayo Olayemi, Chief Medical Director, Hospital Management Board
- Dr. Nayo Anthony, Acting CMD, Prince Audu Teaching Hospital, Anyigba
Traditional leaders, religious leaders, development partners, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and members of the Market Women Association also participated in the program.
Interventions Offered During MNCHW
The MNCH Week complements routine health services by extending vital healthcare to mothers and children. Key services provided include:
- Routine immunizations
- Vitamin A supplementation
- Deworming tablets
- Malnutrition screening
- Iron and folic acid supplements for pregnant women
This initiative reflects the state government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to quality healthcare for all residents, particularly vulnerable groups, and underscores its drive to enhance healthcare outcomes in Kogi State.
