Lagos State Government has restated its commitment to reducing Maternal and Child Mortality indices in the state as it commences the 2019 Maternal and Child Health Week which is geared towards the provision of health interventions surrounding maternal, new born and child health care in the state.
Akin Abayomi, commissioner for Health said the modalities of the Maternal and Child Health Week in Lagos in his administration is committed to providing interventions surrounding maternal, newborn and child health in the state.
“Maternal, peri-natal and child health is one of the most important issues determining global and national wellbeing,” he said.
Abayomi stated that the Maternal and Child Health week will be officially flagged off by the First Lady of Lagos State, Ibijoke Sanwo-olu on the 25th of November 2019 stressed that the government has put in place various measures to ensure an effective health care system to tackle the twin issue of maternal and child mortality in the state.
“The government is targeting over 5000 mothers and children in the community and has completed the procurement of all needed materials which have also being distributed to all local government areas.
“We have completed the procurement and distribution of materials at the local government and ward levels. We will also visit schools, market places so that we can reach as many women and children as possible,” he said.
Abayomi stated further that 150 centres have been designated to support the already existing health facilities in the state and 752 mobile teams deployed to ensure that medical services get to the nooks and crannies of the state. He, therefore, urged members of the public to take advantage of the opportunity to access free medical services.
“To ensure effective implementation of this outreach programme, we have 150 designated centres to support our existing health facilities. We have also put in place 752 mobile teams to visit schools and market places in the community so that we can easily get to the nooks and crannies of the state.” He said.
Olusegun Ogboye, permanent secretary, Ministry of Health, who also spoke during briefing urged mothers and caregivers to continue to avail themselves of preventive and protective health services even after the commemoration of the week so that maternal and child morbidity and mortality can be collectively reduced.
He urged parents to support the State government’s drive to reduce maternal and child deaths by patronizing only accredited health facilities and participating in all child-survival interventions and programmes carried out by the government.
He advised expectant mothers to visit health facilities early enough to detect any complication.
ANTHONIA OBOKOH
