The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, has officially launched the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week in the state. This initiative, aimed at reducing illness and death among women, newborns, and children, is being organized by the Anambra State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ASPHCDA) in collaboration with the State Ministry of Health (SMOH) and various partners.
The week-long event, which commenced at the Umueri Civic Centre in the Anambra East Local Government Area, has been optimized to include COVID-19 vaccinations for adults. The program seeks to improve the overall wellbeing and reduce morbidity and mortality rates in the state.
During the flag-off ceremony, Governor Soludo encouraged pregnant women and caregivers to take advantage of the MNCH Week and visit the nearest health facilities or hospitals with their children to benefit from the program. The governor, represented by his Deputy, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, assured the public that the government would refurbish health facilities in communities to meet their healthcare needs.
In his address, Governor Soludo emphasized the importance of nutrition and balanced diets for the growth and well-being of children. He also provided information on what actions to take in the event of flooding, urging residents to move to holding camps before such incidents occur.
The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Afam Obidike, stressed the significance of MNCH Week in providing essential healthcare services for pregnant women and children under the age of five. He urged pregnant women to prioritize antenatal care for the health and safety of both mother and child. Dr. Obidike also called on community stakeholders to actively monitor the MNCH Week activities in their respective villages and ensure they yield positive results.
Pharm Chisom Uchem, the Executive Secretary of ASPHCDA, explained that the main objective of MNCH Week is to strengthen the delivery and utilization of health services through health facilities and outreach programs across Anambra State. The program aims to increase access and utilization of essential and life-saving interventions, improve the skills and knowledge of healthcare workers, and enhance the health management information system.
The MNCH Week includes various interventions such as Vitamin A supplementation, nutrition screening, de-worming, vaccinations, counseling on appropriate infant feeding practices, screening for Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM), and ante-natal care. Other activities encompass health education on key household practices, handwashing, birth registration, HIV screening/testing, and family planning.
Ms. Nemat Hajeebhoy, Chief of the Nutrition Section at UNICEF Nigeria, emphasized the importance of MNCH Week in supporting mothers and upholding nutrition standards. She expressed UNICEF’s commitment to assisting the government in delivering solutions and encouraged residents to take advantage of the exercise to address their nutritional needs.
Hosted by the Traditional Ruler of Umueri, Igwe Izuchukwu Emeka, the ceremony featured cultural dance displays and educational health talks by the State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Uzoamaka Eriken, and the State Breastfeeding Coordinator, Mrs. Ngozi Onoh.
The Anambra East Local Government Area Chairman, Mr. Anselem Onuorah, pledged maximum cooperation and support to health workers conducting MNCH Week activities in various wards, centers, and schools. He emphasized the importance of these interventions in improving the health and survival of women, newborns, and children.
MNCH Week is a biannual event that aims to deliver a package of basic interventions proven to reduce child mortality and improve the health of mothers and children. With this launch amidst the challenges posed by COVID-19, the Anambra State government is demonstrating its commitment to ensuring the well-being and healthcare access for all residents.
Olusola Akintonde
