.…Targets Maternal and Child Mortality Reduction with High-Impact Interventions
By Mohammed Yanda
In a bold step to enhance family health and curb preventable deaths, the Lagos State Government is set to launch the second phase of its Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week. Running from December 16 to 20, 2024, this comprehensive healthcare drive will deliver free, life-saving services at over 1,400 locations across the state.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, revealed that the initiative will utilize 310 fixed centers, 376 temporary fixed points, and 752 mobile units to ensure widespread access. The program underscores Lagos State’s commitment to addressing maternal and child mortality through high-impact interventions, providing vital care to thousands of families during the weeklong campaign.
In a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that the Lagos State Government will officially launch the second round of its Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week on December 16, 2024, with First Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu leading the event at the Shomolu Local Government Secretariat. This initiative highlights the government’s ongoing commitment to improving family health and reducing preventable deaths across the state.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, outlined the essential services that will be offered during the week. These include comprehensive vaccination programs at fixed posts, covering all necessary antigens such as OPV, Pentavalent, Measles, HBV 0, IPV, and other routine immunizations. Additionally, children aged six to 59 months will receive Vitamin A supplementation, while those aged 12 to 59 months will undergo deworming. Other services include malnutrition screening, HIV and tuberculosis testing, and birth registration, ensuring a holistic approach to family health.
As part of its continued efforts to improve family health and reduce preventable deaths, the Lagos State Government is launching the second phase of its Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week, set to run from December 16 to 20, 2024. The event will be officially flagged off by First Lady Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu at the Shomolu Local Government Secretariat, underscoring the government’s commitment to holistic family health.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, highlighted the wide range of services available, including essential vaccinations, Vitamin A supplementation for children, deworming, malnutrition screening, HIV and tuberculosis testing, and birth registration. In addition, nursing mothers and caregivers will receive valuable counseling on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), food demonstrations, and guidance on managing common illnesses like malaria and malnutrition.
The initiative will also offer family planning services, antenatal and postnatal care, as well as hygiene demonstrations, such as proper handwashing techniques. Ogunyemi emphasized that the program is a crucial part of the state’s strategy to reduce maternal and child mortality while expanding access to vital healthcare services for families.
To ensure the initiative’s success, the Ministry of Health has partnered with key ministries, including Women Affairs, Education, and Agriculture, along with development partners and community leaders. Over 4,000 trained health workers will deliver the services, ensuring they meet global best practices.
Dr. Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, emphasized the importance of the Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week, a biannual initiative in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Health. This program is designed to encourage better health-seeking behaviors among citizens, with Lagos leading the way in improving health outcomes, especially for women and children under five.
Ogunyemi highlighted that the state’s efforts extend beyond children and women, with adolescents also benefiting from dedicated services. Lagos has established 13 specialized centers offering reproductive health and psychosocial support, six of which cater specifically to teenage mothers, providing a nurturing environment for young people to thrive.
In addition to addressing maternal and child health, the MNCAH+N Week is tackling malnutrition, with a focus on reducing stunting rates among children under five. Dr. Ogunyemi shared that healthcare providers are now equipped to distribute micronutrient powders and implement nutrition-focused interventions directly at the grassroots level, ensuring that vital support reaches those who need it most.
The MNCAH+N Week offers a crucial chance for Lagos families to access essential preventive and promotive health services. Ogunyemi emphasized the importance of this initiative, urging women of childbearing age, nursing mothers, adolescents, and pregnant women to take advantage of the program. She encouraged them to visit their nearest Primary Healthcare Centers or designated sites to benefit from the services available during this vital health week. This initiative aims to improve the well-being of families and ensure better access to healthcare for those who need it most.
