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The Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in conjunction with the Kogi State Ministry of Health, has officially flagged off the inaugural phase of its Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), HPV Vaccination, and Safe Motherhood Commemoration Day on Tuesday, July 8, 2025.

This triple celebration marks a groundbreaking initiative seeking to enhance maternal and child health outcomes statewide. Through comprehensive health services, including maternal and newborn, vaccinations, and health education, the program promises to improve the well-being of mothers and children aged 0–5 years.

Led by Her Excellency, the First Lady of Kogi State, Hajia Sefinat Usman Ododo, who was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the State (SGS), Dr. Folashade Arike Ayoade, the campaign is focused on providing essential healthcare services to women and children.

The initiative commenced with vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6–59 months and deworming tablets for mothers, as well as the distribution of Mama Kits as part of the Safe Motherhood component. This effort underscores the Kogi State government’s substantial investments in healthcare aimed at reducing maternal, newborn, and child mortality rates.

Dr. Ayoade noted that the initiative highlights the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and enhancing self-sufficiency in healthcare delivery. She further urged eligible beneficiaries to take advantage of the free healthcare services, including the HPV vaccine, and acknowledged the challenges mothers face in accessing quality healthcare. She emphasized the state’s commitment to creating a society where every mother and child receives the care they deserve and officially flagged off the event with the theme “Healthy beginnings, Hopeful future.”

Speaking at the event, the Honorable Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, emphasized the importance of accessible healthcare services for all, particularly for mothers and children. He highlighted the significance of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, HPV vaccination, and Safe Motherhood Day 2025 commemoration in reducing maternal and child mortality.

Dr. Adeiza urged stakeholders to support the initiative and encouraged citizens to take advantage of the free healthcare services offered at primary healthcare facilities or outreach centers. He expressed gratitude to the Executive Governor for his support and appreciated the healthcare workers’ efforts, calling for collaboration to build a healthier Kogi State.

In his welcome address, Dr. Mu’azu Omeiza Musa, the esteemed Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, warmly welcomed distinguished guests, dignitaries, and participants to the highly anticipated flag-off ceremony of the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, HPV vaccination campaign, and Safe Motherhood Day 2025.

According to him, the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week will provide essential healthcare services, including vitamin A supplementation, deworming, nutritional screening, antenatal care, immunization, and family planning. These services, alongside the HPV vaccination campaign targeting girls aged 9–14 years to prevent cervical cancer, aim to reduce maternal and child mortality, promote healthy growth, and protect girls from cervical cancer. Dr. Mu’azu expresses appreciation for the Governor’s support and the First Lady’s concern for vulnerable persons.

He also extends gratitude to development partners, civil society organizations, and stakeholders for their continuous support, as the Agency remains committed to improving healthcare outcomes in Kogi State. Additionally, he appealed to women, parents, and caregivers to utilize healthcare services in all 21 LGAs and 239 wards across the state.

In a goodwill message, Dr. Gwomson Dauda, representing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Kogi State Coordinator, conveyed goodwill and solidarity on the occasion of the flag-off ceremony for the Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, HPV vaccination, and Safe Motherhood Day 2025. He reaffirmed WHO’s commitment to strengthening the health system, enhancing healthcare delivery, and improving health outcomes for mothers and children.

Alongside other partners, such as the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), the Ohiegba of Mozum, King Bukar Ali Khalid II, and religious leaders (Christian and Muslim), who also expressed gratitude to the government for its efforts in improving healthcare delivery in the state, acknowledging the positive impact on the lives of the people.

This collaborative effort underscores the commitment of all stakeholders to achieving a healthier Kogi State.

AWOKESON, RITA .P
~P.R.O
Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency

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