The Kogi Government has launched the second round of Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week 2025, focusing on reducing morbidity and mortality in mothers and children under five years of age.
At an event held in Lokoja, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr Adeiza Abdulazeez, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and children.
Represented by the Ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Steve Momoh, the commissioner highlighted the state’s progress in revitalizing over 80 Primary Health Care (PHC) centers and upgrading 88 additional facilities to improve access to quality healthcare services.
Abdulazeez emphasized the administration’s focus on strengthening the primary health care system, recognizing its critical role in achieving universal health coverage and reducing morbidity and mortality rates.
He expressed gratitude to Governor Ahmed Ododo for his unwavering support and acknowledged the contributions of development partners, traditional leaders and stakeholders in advancing healthcare initiatives in Kogi.
“This initiative underlines the government’s commitment to building a healthier and more prosperous state, focusing on accessible, equitable and high-quality health services for all citizens,” he said.
Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KSPHCDA), Dr. Musa Muazu, highlighted the alarming prevalence of stunting of 34.0% among children under five years of age in Kogi State.
This referred to the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2023/24.
Mu’azu emphasized the agency’s commitment to addressing this issue through intensified nutrition activities in primary health care facilities and community outreach programs.
Muazu also expressed gratitude to the Governor for his commitment to the health sector and acknowledged the support of development partners, traditional leaders and stakeholders.
According to him, MNCH Week will provide free health services, including routine immunization, vitamin A supplements, deworming and health education, targeting mothers and children aged 0 to 59 months.
Mu’azu noted that the agency mobilized health workers and conducted training to ensure accessible, equitable and high-quality services.
Representatives of development partners, traditional and religious leaders and other stakeholders commended the state government for the initiative and pledged their support to ensure the success of the programme.
The highlight of the event was the official start of SMNI Week, with the administration of vitamin A supplements to children and the free distribution of medicines and diapers to nursing mothers by Momoh on behalf of the Commissioner.
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