- flags off MCHN week
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has urged mothers in the state to take full advantage of the free, life-saving health services being provided during the 2025 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week.
Speaking at the official flag-off ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, State Secretariat Complex, Abere, the Governor dressed the importance of compassion of children after birth.
The Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintol described the week-long initiative as a vital step toward improving health outcomes for mothers and children across the state.
According to Akintola, the MNCH Week will deliver a comprehensive package of health services, including:
Vitamin A supplementation for children, Micronutrient support for pregnant women, Contraceptives for women of reproductive age, and
HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 to 14.
“These services reflect the Adeleke administration’s unwavering commitment to accessible, equitable, and quality healthcare for all residents,” Akintola stated.
He also highlighted recent achievements in the state’s health sector: Over 25,000 retirees enrolled in the Osun Social Health Insurance Scheme,
“Free insurance coverage for 1,770 tuberculosis patients and 300 individuals living with HIV/AIDS,100% hazard allowance payment to healthcare workers, and renovation of primary healthcare centres with round-the-clock electricity and water supply.
The Commissioner commended development partners including UNICEF, WHO, and The Challenge Initiative (TCI) for their ongoing support and also acknowledged the efforts of healthcare workers across the state.
In their goodwill messages, key stakeholders — including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Oyerinde Michael; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle; Dr. Fakoyejo (WHO); Mr. Israel (UNICEF); and Dr. Busola Oyeyemi (TCI) — emphasized the week’s significance in reducing preventable maternal and child deaths.
Chairman of the Osun Primary Healthcare Board, Hon. Tajudeen Adisa, announced that the programme will run concurrently across all 332 wards and 778 health facilities, targeting over 1.1 million children under five and providing iron-folate supplements to eligible women.
The ceremony concluded with the symbolic administration of vaccines and the presentation of certificates to trained healthcare workers participating in the statewide campaign.
