By Adeyemi Adekunle
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf has officially inaugurated the first round of the 2024 Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), marking a significant stride in improving health outcomes for mothers and children in Kano State. The launch event, held on Friday, drew substantial attention as it reinforced the state’s commitment to combating maternal and child mortality through targeted health interventions.
In his address, Governor Yusuf emphasized the critical role of MNCHW in enhancing health indices via focused preventive and curative measures. “This week-long initiative is a vital opportunity to deliver essential health services to mothers, newborns, and children through our robust health system,” he declared, underscoring the free maternal and child health services provided at Primary Health Centers and Secondary hospitals across the state.
The governor’s remarks highlighted the administration’s unwavering dedication to health programs that benefit the populace, including Nutrition Promotion Programs, Polio Eradication efforts, and improvements in Routine Immunization. “Our goal is to significantly reduce maternal and child mortality rates and control preventable diseases such as Vaccine-Preventable Diseases (VPDs), Malaria, HIV, and Tuberculosis,” Yusuf stated.
Dr. Abubakar Labaran Yusuf, the Commissioner of Health, elaborated on the MNCHW’s objectives, emphasizing comprehensive care for pregnant women from conception to delivery and ensuring the well-being of newborns and children under five. “Governor Yusuf’s commitment to the health sector is unparalleled, and our health workers are resolved to deliver quality services to our community,” he affirmed.
The event featured addresses from distinguished guests, including the representative of the Emir of Kano, Turakin Kano and District Head of Dala, Alhaji Abdullahi Lamido Sanusi, and representatives from key development partners such as the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF, WHO, ALIVE & THRIVE, and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). These partnerships highlight the collaborative effort required to achieve substantial health improvements.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has consistently prioritized maternal and child health, following through on campaign promises to provide free health programs. The allocation and prompt release of funds for these initiatives have led to a notable reduction in maternal and child mortality rates in Kano State.
Reflecting on the governor’s speech and the supportive words from the health commissioner, it is clear that the MNCHW is a pivotal initiative in the state’s health agenda. The collaborative effort between the state government and international health organizations underscores the importance of sustained commitment to health interventions.
As the first round of the 2024 MNCHW unfolds, the focus remains on ensuring that the most vulnerable populations receive the necessary health services. The community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive, with mothers and children turning out in large numbers to benefit from the various health services offered.
Governor Yusuf’s proactive approach in health governance sets a promising precedent for other states to follow.
The MNCHW is not just a week-long event but a critical component of a broader strategy to improve public health in Kano State. With continued support and collaboration, the vision of a healthier future for mothers and children in Kano is becoming a reality.
