Kwara targets 1.2 million children, as maternal, child health week commences

The Kwara Government on Friday stated that over 1.2 million children and pregnant mothers would be targeted for health services during the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) commencing on June 8th to 12th.

The Executive Secretary of the Primary Healthcare Development Agency, Prof. Nusirat Elelu stated this in Ilorin during a news conference organised for the commencement of the Week.

The MNCHW is a lifesaving health services directed at communities especially remote and hard-to-reach areas.

Elelu explained that the programme is targeting one million under-five children, 7,000 nine-year-olds and 200,000 pregnant women.

According to her, healthcare services will be available at Primary Health Centres (PHCs), temporary fixed posts in community compounds, popular gathering places and palaces.

“For areas located more than 2km from a health facility, outreach posts will be set up,” she said.

The Executive Secretary also explained that other areas include markets and schools where health services would be provided.

She listed the services to include immunization, deworming, nutritional check, HPV vaccination for nine year old girls, free antenal care and delivery for pregnant women, HIV counseling, Vitamin A supplementation and birth registration among others.

“All these services are free. The Kwara Government has released funds to support this round, showing strong commitment and ownership,” she said.

Elelu appealed to families and care givers to seek health care and use the routine services.

She expressed high expectations of the government in reaching a target of 80 percent during the MNCHW.

The executive secretary commended the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other development partners for the technical and financial support on the life saving intervention across the 16 Local Government Areas of the State.