Anambra State government has commenced the 2014 maternal, newborn and child health week in the state aimed at reducing neonatal, maternal and child mortality rates in the state.
Announcing the flag off during a chat with journalists in Awka on Wednesday, the State Commissioner of Health, Dr. Joe Akabuike said government would provide routine promotive and preventive services to about 2.4million citizens, including children and women throughout the state.
He said the exercise would involve giving out vitamin A supplements, De-worming, all round routine Antigens, Tetanus toxide vaccines and antenatal care, targeting children, pregnant women of child bearing age.
He said during the period, government would deliver services including; nutrition screening, counseling for malnourished children, birth preparedness and complication readiness for pregnant women.
Others interventions are HIV prevention information, distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Treatment Nets (LLINs) to prevent malaria, Health education on key household practices including exclusive breast feeding (EBF), management of childhood illnesses and demonstration of proper hand washing etc.
He assured that all the vaccines are free and safe, as he urged care gives to avail themselves of this opportunity while ensuring that their children receive there interventions between 24-28th November 2014, adding that the exercise will take place in all government Primary Health Care Centres and other designated posts.
He also disclosed that the Obiano led administration has scaled up efforts to cater for all the malnourished children through government intervention at all council areas and state levels, training of women on how to use local food to provide highly nutritious foods, sensitization of the public particularly parents resident in remote areas.
He further said that the state government and ministry of health are collaborating with partners including WHO, UNICEF, World Bank, National Health Development Agency and the Media to improve health of the citizenry. In a remark, the Director Public Health Programme, Dr. C. Okoye said the decision to hold the child week annually was reached 5 years ago, saying that Anambra kick started the programme yesterday.
He praised the power of the media and urged members to help in sensitizing the public on the programme adding, “It is imperative that the media assist in disseminating information for people to avail themselves on what Governor Obiano in conjunction with our partners are delivering to the citizens of Anambra State.
Source: Dailytimes
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