By Kemi Olatunde

Ondo State Governor, Lucky Orimisan Ayedatiwa has reiterated his administration’s commitment towards improving the health of citizens especially maternal and child health in the state.

He spoke while flagging off the first round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health week (MNCHW) at the State Specialists Hospital, Oke Aro, Akure.

According to him, Ondo State has been rated among the best performed stated with 97 percent coverage in the May 2023 round of MNCHW attributing it to the strong commitment of his administration to maternal and child health programmes in the state.

While stating that the programme has been implemented in the state since its inception in 2010, the Governor who was represented by the Health Commissioner, Dr. Banji Awolowo Ajaka described it as as a week long event organized to deliver an integrated package of preventive services which according to him is highly cost effective for improving maternal and child health survival.

He hinted that it aimed at reaching under five children with routine immunisation vaccines, Vitamin A supplements, deworming tablets, screening for malnutrition, HIV counseling and testing, birth registration as well as promotion of other child protection services including exclusive breastfeeding among others.

Ayedatiwa who assured of health workers’ commitment to the exercise, called on all stakeholders to support government in making the state health service delivery the best in Nigeria.

He advised parents and caregivers to present their children between the age of 0 and 59 months to health facilities and designated service point close to them for the exercise.

Speaking earlier, Permanent Secretary, Ondo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (OSPHCDA), Dr. Francis Akanbiemu stated that the exercise has been dedicated to the welfare and good health of mothers, children and newborn.

He commended government for investing heavily on the Primary Health Care system alongside partners ‘support which according to him has assisted the state in providing qualitative health care delivery to residents of the state.

Speaking on behalf of supporting partners in the state, UNICEF Lagos Field Office, Mrs Sylvia Nwachukwu who stated that the organization has the mandate of protecting the right of children, noted that Vitamin A boost children’s immunity, protect them against under five infection as well as prevent stunted growth.

While calling on mothers to make their eligible children available, she stressed the need for them to sensitise others for the success of the exercise.

Speaking with The Hope, SA to the Governor on Health, Prof. Simidele Odimayo noted that the exercise is crucial for the survival of children and mothers, stating that they will be equipped with necessary requirements to be in good health.

He stressed the need to enlighten women and  place value on their health so as to be able to access available health care services.

This according to him will help in reducing health care burden on residents that will facilitate total family well-being.