Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, officially launched the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week at the Lagos Island East Local Council Development Area today. The initiative is dedicated to enhancing the well-being and survival of women and children by promoting essential health-seeking behaviors.
In her address, Dr. Sanwo-Olu highlighted the critical importance of adequate nutrition for newborns and children, emphasizing that it is vital from birth through early childhood. “We are all aware that a baby’s survival is closely tied to adequate nutrition, which must begin at birth and continue with the introduction of complementary foods from six months until 2 years. After this period, the child will transition to adult meals,” she stated.
The week-long event, scheduled from August 12th to 16th, 2024, aims to reach over five million children under the age of five with essential services, including Routine Immunisation, Vitamin A supplementation, Deworming, Growth Monitoring, and Malnutrition Screening, among others. Dr. Sanwo-Olu reiterated the administration’s commitment to reducing maternal and child mortality, noting that free antenatal, delivery, and postnatal services are available in state public hospitals.
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She also warned against sexual and domestic violence, stressing that the state government has zero tolerance for such acts. “Let me reiterate that the State Government has zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence. I strongly advise perpetrators of these heinous acts to cease before the law catches up with them,” she warned.
Supporting her remarks, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, emphasized the state’s dedication to achieving universal health coverage. “We just want to create more awareness about healthy living for our mothers. We are also trying to push mothers to realize the importance of antenatal care, family planning, and routine immunisation when they deliver their babies,” she said.
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Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, encouraged women to take advantage of the free healthcare services available during the event. “These services will continue in our health facilities and primary healthcare centres beyond the week,” he assured.
The event also saw commendations from Hon. Muibi Alade Folawiyo, Chairman of Lagos Island East Local Council Development, who praised the Lagos State Government’s efforts to provide sustainable healthcare delivery and assured continued support at the grassroots level.