The Government of Anambra State have commenced the 2024 Second Round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week in Okija, Ihiala Local Goverment Area of the state.
Organised by the State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (ANSPHDA) and partners, the exercise was powered by the member representing Ihiala Federal Constituency, Hon Pascal Agbodike.
Addressing the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Agency, Pharmacist Chisom Uchem, represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunization in the Agency, Dr Nnamdi Uliagbafusi said the maternal and child health week is a key priority for the state government, committed to reduce maternal and child morbidity and mortality by delivering high-impact, evidence-based interventions to Anambra communities.
She described maternal and child health as key priority for the State government which formed the backbone of a thriving society and commended Governor Chukwuma Soludo for all his numerous support done to the agency and the ministry.
Also, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Afam Obodike who was equally represented by Dr Uliagbafusi, said Government officials, healthcare providers, development partners and community leaders have pledged to ensure that healthcare services reach every ward, village and household in Anambra State.
He tasked the patients to report to the Commissioner or Executive Secretary ANSPHDA about any unwholesome practices encountered in the course of receiving free antenatal and immunization services at primary healthcare centres in the state.
Speaking on behalf of the development partners, the UNICEF Lead Facilitator, Mr Gift Oguzor urged pregnant women not to misuse the opportunity of free antenatal and immunization services in the state while charging them to participate in the ongoing childbirth registration to get free birth certificates for their children.
The State Nutrition Officer, ANSPHDA, Chikamso Obiechefu, advised nursing mothers to practice exclusive breastfeeding for babies from zero to six month as it contains all the balanced diet needed for the child’s development.
The Chairman of Ihiala Local Goverment Area, Mr Anayo Orjiakor represented by the Councillor representing Orsumoghu Ward, Honourable Ugochi Obi said immunization helps children to be healthy and urged mothers to utilize the opportunity to vaccinate their children.###
