The Edo State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (EDSPHCDA) in collaboration with developmental partners Flags Off the Second Round of Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at the Aruogba Primary Healthcare Centre on Friday, December 19, 2024.
Notably, the event was graced by key stakeholders, including the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole; the Acting Executive Secretary, EDSPHCDA, Mr. Sunday Osayande; representatives from NPHCDA, WHO, UNICEF, SCFN, JSI-HAPPI and other notable partners dedicated to advancing healthcare services.
During the event, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole stressed the importance of maternal and child health as a foundation for societal progress. He stated, “Every day, MNCH statistics remind us of the urgent need for action. Thousands of women lose their lives to preventable causes, making this second round of the MNCHW a critical initiative and a call to action to all stakeholders to improve the health of mothers and children and help reduce child mortality and morbidity.
Dr Cyril Adams Oshiomhole noted that the second round MNCHW is a strategic platform to deliver essential life-saving interventions such as immunizations, vitamin A supplementation to boost immunity, nutritional counseling for mothers and caregivers, malaria prevention through treated nets, birth registration, health education for individuals and communities. Dr. Oshiomhole urged mothers and caregivers to take full advantage of the free services offered during the MNCHW while highlighting Governor Monday Okphebholo’s commitment to upgrading healthcare infrastructure and services to ensure inclusive health access across the state.
Adding to this, the Acting Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Mr. Sunday Osayande, explained that the second round of MNCHW is designed to increase the coverage of essential health services, focusing on children aged 6 to 59 months and women of reproductive age. He noted that the program is vital in strengthening children’s immunity, improving growth and development, and reducing mortality rates. To emphasize progress, he stated, “During the first round in 2024, vitamin A supplementation achieved a 76% coverage rate. For this second round in Edo State, we are determined to reach 95% to reduce child morbidity and mortality further.”
In support of the initiative, Mr. Jerry Osawe, the Edo State representative of the National Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NPHCDA), praised mothers for their turnout and urged them to ensure their children receive all the services provided, including immunization and nutrition support. Similarly, Dr. Efemena, the WHO Representative for Edo State, also delivered a goodwill message. He highlighted the commitment of WHO and other development partners to improving health outcomes for children in Edo State.
A key highlight of the event was the administration of vitamin A supplements to children by the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Cyril Adams Oshiomhole, and the Acting Executive Secretary EDSPHCDA, Mr. Sunday Osayande. Following this, the Honorable Commissioner officially flagged off the second round of the MNCHW, which is set to be conducted across all 18 local government areas of Edo State between 19th and 23rd December 2024.
