Anambra PHC flags off 2019 MNCHW

Anambra PHC flags off 2019 MNCHW

The Anambra state maternal, newborn and child health week (MNCHW) was flagged off today 18th June, 2019 by the executive Governor of Anambra state, Chief Willie Obiano at Umuenem Primary Health Care Center, Otolo Nnewi.

According to the executive secretary/CEO of Anambra state primary health care development agency, Dr. Chioma Ezenyimlu, in her address said that the “MNCHW week aims to contribute towards improving the health status of Nigerian women and children by increasing coverage of key maternal, newborn and child care intervention by 50% of the current indices by 2020”.

The MNCHW week, which started on Sunday is being observed by all the primary health centers in the state.

In an interview with anaedoonline.ng Dr. Chioma, said the week has lots of activities lined up including immunization, vitamin A supplements, iron supplement, long lasting insecticidal treatment net, deworming tablets to children, it is going to be a total package. We trying to use every means possible to encourage women to bring their children to the closest primary health center to them.

The commissioner for health Dr. Vincent Okpala, who was also present at the MNCHW flag off, in his address said the MNCHW week is an intervention for maternal health and newborn. He said, we want to reduce maternal, child mortality and mortality. We want to scale up the integration and delivery of other child intervention; we want to boost routine immunization coverage.

In a chat with anaedoonline.ng, the commissioner said the MNCHW has benefitted lots of women and there is a massive turnout during the campaign. He said the state had a 104% coverage last year June while in December 2018 they had 107% coverage.

The second phase of the Anambra state maternal, newborn and child health week (MNCHW) will be flagged off later in November this year. The MNCHW is held twice every year.

Onyinnye Okeke
Anaedoonline