In a resounding call for improved health outcomes, Lagos State flagged off the second round of the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week on Monday, December 16th, at the New Secretariat Complex, Shomolu LGA. The First Lady, Dr. Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, spearheaded the event with a passionate plea for collective action in safeguarding the health of women, children, and adolescents particularly during the week-long celebration holding between 16th and 20th of December, 2024.

The First Lady, in her keynote address, highlighted the state’s commitment to providing high-impact, cost-effective health services. She noted that MNCAH+N Week, initiated in Lagos in 2010, has become a nationwide movement ensuring free access to critical interventions such as immunization, antenatal care, and nutrition services.

“Today, we reaffirm our dedication to the well-being of our citizens. The free services provided this week are life-saving and transformative,” she said. Emphasizing the importance of healthy lifestyles, she urged caregivers to ensure children under five receive Vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, and deworming tablets.

Sanwo-Olu also addressed the troubling rise in sexual violence and substance abuse among adolescents, urging community leaders and law enforcement agencies to collaborate in tackling these issues. “Our government stands with survivors. I implore anyone affected to call our toll-free line, 08000 333 333, for support,” she added.

Reflecting on the successes of the first round, the First Lady revealed impressive statistics: over 80% of children under five reached, 17,500 women receiving maternal care, and 196,004 individuals benefiting from family planning services. “We are confident this round will surpass these milestones,” she declared.

The First Lady commended healthcare workers and partners for their tireless efforts, singling out Hon. Abdulhameed Salawu, Chairman of Shomolu LGA, for hosting the event. She also lauded Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu for his unwavering support for health initiatives.

Concluding, Sanwo-Olu formally declared the program open, urging residents to seize the opportunity to access free, life-changing health services available from December 16th to 20th at public healthcare facilities statewide.

The Special Adviser to the Lags State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi underscored the significance of MNCAH+N Week in reducing preventable maternal and child deaths. She emphasized the need for a cultural shift towards preventive healthcare and healthy lifestyles.

“The week reminds us of the need for good health-seeking behavior. Prevention is better than cure, and this program ensures everyone has access to vital health services,” Ogunyemi said. She highlighted the state’s investments in nutrition, including the provision of Micronutrient Powder and Ready-to-Use Therapeutic Foods to combat malnutrition.

Ogunyemi commended the collaborative efforts of UNICEF in match-funding nutrition commodities and called on community members to advocate for the program’s benefits. “Healthy families create healthy communities,” she concluded.

In his address, the Chairman of Shomolu LGA, Hon. Abdulhameed Salawu, warmly welcomed the First Lady and praised her dedication to public health. He acknowledged the program’s alignment with the global health vision of reducing maternal and child mortality.

“This program is a testament to the commitment of our leaders to grassroots development. Together, we can build a healthier, stronger Lagos,” Salawu said. He also urged families to adopt manageable sizes and prioritize healthy lifestyles to sustain progress.

Salawu assured residents of his administration’s dedication to establishing functional healthcare systems in Shomolu and beyond, pledging continuous support for impactful programs like MNCAH+N Week.

Representing UNICEF, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of the Southwest Field Office, lauded Lagos State’s innovative approach to maternal and child health. “Lagos State’s dedication to the MNCAH+N program sets an inspiring example for other states,” she said.

Lafoucriere reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to supporting Lagos in achieving its health objectives. “Together, we will ensure that no child is left behind,” she concluded.

The event was graced by top officials, including Member Representing Shomolu Constituency 1, in the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Biodun Orekoya; Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye who was represented by the Director, Epidemiology, Biosecurity and Global Health, Dr. Ismail Abdus-Salam; the Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District II, Dr. Dayo Lajide; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke; Permanent Secretary, Lagos Health District V, Dr. Dapo Asiyanbi and the Supervising Permanent Secretary for the Lagos State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abimbola Bowale. Religious and community leaders, along with healthcare workers, also lent their support.

As Lagos embarks on this transformative journey, the resounding message remains clear: healthier families are the cornerstone of a healthier state. Residents are encouraged to visit designated centers for these free services, ensuring a brighter, healthier future for all.

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