Lagos: The First Lady of Lagos State, Dr Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, has initiated the first round of the bi-annual Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition Week (MNCH+N) in Lagos State. Represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs Oluremi Hamzat, Sanwo-Olu expressed her appreciation to the Alimosho Local Government Area for hosting the event.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the week-long outreach services are being conducted in Primary Healthcare Centres across the 57 LGAs/LCDAs in the state from June 23 to 27. Sanwo-Olu emphasized Lagos' leading role in the MNCH+N Week, a programme that started in the state in 2010 and has since become a national initiative.
Addressing healthcare workers, traditional leaders, community stakeholders, and development partners, Sanwo-Olu underscored the importance of MNCH+N week as a vital intervention providing access to cost-effective, high-impact healthcare services. She condemned the increase in quackery in maternal health services, urging citizens to rely on licensed healthcare professionals.
The programme offers a variety of services, including vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, free antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, and support for sexual and domestic violence cases. Sanwo-Olu encouraged Lagosians to utilize these services during the MNCH+N Week.
Dr Kemi Ogunyemi, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, called the flag-off symbolic and strategic, especially since it was hosted in Alimosho, the largest LGA in Lagos. She noted the week had improved health-seeking behaviour and maternal and child health indices, but stressed that current mortality rates require more action from stakeholders.
Dr Olusegun Ogboye, Permanent Secretary of the Lagos State Ministry of Health, urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the MNCH+N Week, which offers free, life-saving health services daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. He highlighted the availability of the HPV vaccine and child nutrition supplements as part of the intervention.
Chief of Nutrition at UNICEF Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, praised the State Government for the MNCH+N campaign, noting its impact in previous rounds, with millions of children receiving health benefits. She introduced the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF) and pledged UNICEF's continued support to ensure every Nigerian child receives the nutrition and healthcare they need.
Alimosho Local Government Chairman, Mr Jelili Sulaimon, expressed his delight in hosting the flag-off ceremony. Represented by Vice-Chairman Mr Akinpelu Johnson, Sulaimon stressed the importance of health for productivity and economic stability.