The Kogi State Government has started a new program called the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week. This program helps mothers, babies, and young children get the healthcare they need. It happens two times every year and takes place in Kogi.
The first health week for 2025 began with a big event at the Government House in Lokoja. Many important people came, including the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo. She could not attend in person, but Dr. Folashade Ayoade spoke for her.
The First Lady told all mothers to visit health centers. She said, “Mothers should take care of themselves and their children by going to clinics for check-ups and treatment.”
Why This Week Is So Important
Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, the Commissioner for Health, explained that this week is to help more moms and kids stay healthy. He said:
“We want to teach people how to stay healthy and help more moms visit clinics regularly.”
Dr. Musa Muazu Omeiza, who leads the Kogi State Primary Health Care Agency, said this special health week will last from July 7th to 11th, 2025. During this time, clinics and outreach teams will give health care to pregnant women, mothers, and children under 5 years old.
Some services they will provide include:
- Pregnancy check-ups
- Vaccines for babies and kids
- Health education for moms
- Help for sick children
Even people who live far from towns will get help through mobile teams.
Who Came to Support?
Many groups and leaders attended the event. These include:
- UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund)
- WHO (World Health Organization)
- Religious and traditional leaders
- Women’s groups from different places
They were all happy with how well the Kogi government has done in helping mothers and babies. They also promised to keep supporting the program.
The government also told families to visit health clinics in all 21 local governments and 239 wards in the state. They want to stop the deaths of mothers and babies by giving them better care.
Conclusion
The Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week is a big step toward making Kogi a healthier place for moms and children. It helps more people get the care they need, especially in villages and hard-to-reach areas.
If you are a mother, or you know one, please tell her to visit a health clinic this week!
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