By Abdullahi Tukur Birnin Kebbi.
The Sokoto State Government, has officially flagged off the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW), targeting over One point four million children.
The occasion is a strategic health intervention aimed at improving the nutritional status and overall wellbeing of mothers and children across the state.
Speaking on the occasion, the state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Faruk Umar Abubakar, reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government towards improving maternal, newborn and child health outcomes through sustained investments in primary healthcare services and preventive interventions.
He emphasized that, the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week remains one of the state’s most important public health initiatives, providing an opportunity to deliver life-saving services directly to mothers and children at the community level.
The Commissioner urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the exercise by bringing eligible children and pregnant women to health facilities and designated outreach points across the state.
Dr. Umar Abubakar noted that, improving child survival, reducing malnutrition, preventing childhood illnesses and ensuring healthier pregnancies remain priorities for the state government.
Dr. Abubakar also commended frontline health workers, development partners and community stakeholders for their continued support in advancing healthcare delivery across Sokoto State.
The week-long exercise launch that took place at Kofar Kade Primary Healthcare Centre in Sokoto North Local Government Area will focus on the provision of essential nutrition services targeted at children under five years of age and pregnant women.
The Commissioner acknowledged the contribution of Donors and Development partners supporting the round including UNICEF, WHO, HELLEN KELLER, NUTRITION INTERNATIONAL, CHILD NUTRITION FUND, KIRK HUMANITARIAN,GATES FOUNDATION.