Oyo moves to protect children, launches childhood illness management handbook

The Oyo State Government through the Ministry of Health has launched the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) handbook, a critical resource designed to equip healthcare workers with standardised guidelines for managing childhood illnesses.

The handbook aims to enhance early diagnosis, effective treatment, and the reduction of child morbidity and mortality in the State.

This was disclosed at the official release of the 2024 Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child, Adolescent Health and Nutrition (RMNCAH+N) Scorecard to evaluate key performance indicators (KPIs) and assess progress in the state’s healthcare sector.

The scorecard dissemination event, which brought together key stakeholders from the healthcare sector, provided a vital platform for measuring performance, identifying gaps, and strengthening service delivery across the State.

Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, Medical Doctor and Commissioner for Health, speaking at the event, emphasised the significance of the scorecard in identifying sectoral strengths and weaknesses.

The Commissioner said the Oyo State Government, through the Ministry of Health, remains committed to evidence-based policymaking, strategic healthcare interventions, and improving RMNCAH+N indices to ensure quality healthcare for all residents.

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She noted that “the insights from the report would enable the government and stakeholders to develop targeted interventions aimed at improving health outcomes in the State.”

Akin Fagbemi, Chairman, Oyo State Hospital Management Board, in his opening remarks, called on all stakeholders to work collaboratively in achieving the sustainable healthcare vision of Governor Seyi Makinde.

Akintunde Ayinde, Medical Doctor and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, in his welcome address, stressed the importance of introducing a midterm scorecard to track improvements in planned health interventions.

He also appreciated UNICEF, WHO, and other development partners for their continued support in strengthening healthcare delivery in the State.

Abbas Gbolahan, Medical Doctor and the Director of Health Planning, Research, and Statistics, during the presentation of the RMNCAH+N Scorecard, explained that the KPIs and targets used in the report were carefully selected in a previous stakeholder meeting.

He emphasised that the agreed-upon indicators were realistic, data-driven, and globally accepted, ensuring the credibility of the findings.

BusinessDay reports that the event was graced by top Government officials, health sector leaders, and representatives of international health organisations.