….Champions Fight Against Malnutrition, Pushes for Family Health
Lagos State has officially launched the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week, with a powerful call for action on improving public health outcomes. The event, held on Monday, December 16th, at the New Secretariat Complex in Shomolu LGA, was spearheaded by the First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu.
According to a press statement signed by the Director, Public Affairs, Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, it states that in her keynote address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu emphasized the urgent need for collective action to protect the health of women, children, and adolescents, particularly during this week-long initiative running from December 16th to 20th, 2024. She reaffirmed the state’s commitment to providing accessible, high-impact health services, noting that the MNCAH+N Week, first launched in Lagos in 2010, has evolved into a nationwide movement offering free, life-saving interventions such as immunization, antenatal care, and nutrition services.
“The services we are offering this week are not just essential—they are transformative,” the First Lady stated, stressing the importance of fostering healthy lifestyles. She urged caregivers to ensure children under five receive critical services like Vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, and deworming tablets, highlighting the profound impact these measures have on long-term health outcomes.
Lagos State’s First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has called for urgent action to combat the rising issues of sexual violence and substance abuse among adolescents. Speaking at the launch of the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week on December 16th, she urged community leaders and law enforcement to collaborate in addressing these pressing concerns. “Our government stands with survivors,” she said, encouraging those affected to seek help through the state’s toll-free helpline, 08000 333 333.
Dr. Sanwo-Olu also took time to celebrate the achievements of the first round of the MNCAH+N Week, revealing impressive outcomes: more than 80% of children under five were reached, 17,500 women received maternal care, and 196,004 individuals benefited from family planning services. “We are confident this round will exceed these milestones,” she declared, expressing optimism for continued progress.
The First Lady extended her gratitude to healthcare workers, partners, and local officials, especially Hon. Abdulhameed Salawu, Chairman of Shomolu LGA, for hosting the event. She also praised Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his steadfast support of health initiatives, emphasizing that the success of the program is a collective effort aimed at transforming the health landscape of Lagos.
Governor Sanwo-Olu officially launched the MNCAH+N Week, encouraging residents to take advantage of free, transformative health services offered from December 16th to 20th at public healthcare centers across Lagos State.
Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, the Special Adviser on Health to the Governor, emphasized the crucial role of the initiative in reducing preventable maternal and child deaths. She called for a cultural shift towards preventive healthcare and healthier lifestyles, stressing that the week serves as a vital reminder of the importance of good health-seeking behavior. “Prevention is better than cure,” Ogunyemi stated, highlighting the state’s ongoing investments in nutrition, such as distributing Micronutrient Powder and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods to combat malnutrition.
She also lauded UNICEF’s support in matching funding for nutrition commodities and urged communities to advocate for the program’s life-saving benefits. “Healthy families create healthy communities,” she concluded, reinforcing the program’s potential to foster long-term health improvements across the state.
In his speech, Hon. Abdulhameed Salawu, Chairman of Shomolu LGA, warmly welcomed the First Lady and commended her unwavering commitment to public health. He recognized the MNCAH+N Week as a key initiative in line with global efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality.
“This program reflects the dedication of our leaders to grassroots development. Together, we can create a healthier, more resilient Lagos,” Salawu stated. He encouraged families to embrace manageable family sizes and adopt healthier lifestyles to ensure lasting progress.
Salawu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening healthcare systems in Shomolu and beyond, pledging ongoing support for impactful initiatives like MNCAH+N Week that aim to improve the health and well-being of all residents.
Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the Southwest Field Office for UNICEF, praised Lagos State’s innovative approach to maternal and child health during her address. “Lagos State’s commitment to the MNCAH+N program sets a powerful example for other states to follow,” she remarked.
Lafoucriere reiterated UNICEF’s steadfast support for Lagos in achieving its health goals, emphasizing the shared mission to ensure that no child is left behind. “Together, we will build a healthier future for all,” she concluded.
The event was a significant occasion, attended by key figures including Hon. Biodun Orekoya, Member Representing Shomolu Constituency 1 in the Lagos State House of Assembly; Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, represented by Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam, Director of Epidemiology, Biosecurity, and Global Health; as well as several other prominent health officials. Among them were Dr. Dayo Lajide, Permanent Secretary for Lagos Health District II; Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, Permanent Secretary for Lagos Health District III; Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi, Permanent Secretary for Lagos Health District V; and Dr. Abimbola Bowale, Supervising Permanent Secretary for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board. The event also saw support from religious and community leaders, alongside healthcare workers, all united in their commitment to a healthier Lagos.
This milestone event marks a pivotal moment in Lagos’ journey toward improved public health, with the clear message that healthier families are the foundation of a thriving state. Residents are urged to take advantage of the free services available at designated centers, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.
