By Ene Ohaba
The first round of twenty twenty six Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week was inaugurated today in Benue State by the Commissioner of Health and Human Services Dr. Paul Ogwuche.
The ceremony which took place at FSP Clinic, Kwararafa Quarters, Makurdi is targeting HPV Vaccination for girls and other health services.
Inaugurating the programme on behalf of Governor Hyacinth Alia, the Commissioner for Health and Human Services said the exercise is aimed at improving the health and wellbeing of mothers, newborns and children across the state through preventive and curative healthcare services.
Represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. Cephas Hough, the Commissioner for Health stated that skilled health personnel would be deployed throughout the duration of the programme to provide antenatal care, carry out safe deliveries and educate families on proper nutrition, hygiene and malaria prevention.
He noted with concern that maternal deaths arising from pregnancy-related complications and preventable illnesses among children under five remain a major challenge despite government interventions, assuring that partnerships with relevant stakeholders would be strengthened to reverse the trend.
Dr. Ogwuche urged community, religious and traditional leaders to ensure the success of the maternal newborn and child week by encouraging mothers to take advantage of the free services and adopt healthy practices.
Acting Executive Secretary, Benue State Primary Health Care Board, Samuel Mbatsoron, explained that health workers would provide free services at health facilities, schools, settlements and through house-to-house visits across the state till the end of the programme on June seven.
Pharmacist Mbatsoron maintained that Vaccination, Vitamin A Supplements and Deworming tablets would be given to children while pregnant women would access micronutrient supplementation and antenatal care in addition to the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticide Nets and ORS for diarrhea treatment.
Chairman, Makurdi Local Government, Joseph Keffi, represented by the Supervisor for Health, Samuel Shiikan, and the Ter Makurdi, Chief Vincent Aule, represented by the District Head of Walamayo, Chief Solomon Ajo, pledged to mobilise the people to participate fully in the exercise.
Representatives of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, Helen Keller International, UNICEF and Chigari Foundation reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the successful implementation of the programme.#
Edited By Terna Injua
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