Kwara State Government Launches Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Week

Strategic Insights -

The Kwara State Government flagged off the Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) week to provide essential healthcare services to mothers and children, debunk common myths around immunisation, and ensure routine immunisation and community health education. The week-long programme aims to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and children under-five. Speaking at the event, Dr. Adeniran Ayodeji Adebayo, the state coordinator for Community Based Health Workers, highlighted the importance of immunisation, citing its safety, cost-effectiveness, and ability to prevent disease and save lives.

Key Takeaways:

  • The MNCH week, coordinated by the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency, aims to improve the health outcomes of pregnant women and children under-five.
  • Dr. Adeniran Ayodeji Adebayo debunked common myths around immunisation, including the misconception that vaccines are used to reduce population.
  • The programme includes routine immunisation schedules such as Penta 1 for babies at 6 weeks, Penta 2 at 10 weeks, and Penta 3 at 14 weeks, among others.
  • Children are expected to return for checkups every six months until they reach the age of six.
  • The administration of HPV vaccines to girls aged 9 will protect against cervical cancer, with routine screening advised every three years from the age of 30.
  • The Programme will run until Friday, June 28, and the National Immunisation Plus Days (NIPDH) will begin on Saturday.

Statistics:

  • The programme aims to provide essential healthcare services to mothers and children.
  • The routine immunisation schedules include Penta 1 for babies at 6 weeks, Penta 2 at 10 weeks, Penta 3 at 14 weeks, Vitamin A at 6 months and 1 year, and Measles 1 and 2 vaccines at 9 months and 15 months respectively.
  • Children are expected to return for checkups every six months until they reach the age of six.
  • The administration of HPV vaccines to girls aged 9 aims to protect against cervical cancer.
  • Routine screening is advised every three years from the age of 30.

Sources:

  • "Kwara flags off Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health week", Nigerian Tribune, Monday, June [Insert Date]
  • "MNCH: Age-old myths debunked", Nigerian Tribune, Monday, June [Insert Date]