MATERNAL NEWBORN AND CHILD HEALTH WEEK KICKS OFF IN THE SIX AREA COUNCILS OF FCT
By: Lami Agbavobor
The Federal Capital Territory Primary Healthcare Board (FCT-PHB) has reaffirmed its commitment to capture about one point five million children in a bid to ensure proper care and reduction of maternal and child mortality rate in the FCT.
The Executive Secretary FCT Primary Health Care Board, Dr Daniel Gadzama, represented by the Director of Primary Health Care, Dr Nicolas Okoli, made this known at a sensitization workshop to kick off the first round of this year’s Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health week in the FCT on Tuesday, June 2nd, 2026.
He called on the gatekeepers and agenda setters to partner with the government to allay the fears and misconceptions of citizens concerning immunization and its effects.
Dr Gadzama explained that the vaccines and supplements have been made available to reduce maternal, newborn, and child health mortality in the FCT.
State Nutrition officer, Mrs Chinyere Ekwueme, said over 1.5 million children aged 6 to 59 months will be reached during the week beginning 3rd June to 7th June 2026 within the FCT.
She informed that Vitamin A supplements will be administered to all eligible children at the mosques, churches, schools, markets, and playgrounds
Also available during the exercise will be free deworming tablets, nutritional assessment, Immunization (RI antigens, HPV for girls 9years old), Free Antenatal care, HIV counseling, and health education at all government healthcare facilities during the week.
Head of Advocacy, Communication and Social Mobilization, Mrs Chinyere Umeh, appreciated the media for their support and called for more efforts in ensuring a positive response from parents and the various communities during the week.
Director PHC, Dr Nicholas Okoli, while appreciating their partners UNICEF, HELEN KELLER INTL, for their support, he further appealed for more support to ensure women and children are healthy, as the government cannot do it alone.
The maternal, newborn, and child health week has as its theme: Optimizing care for mother and children, and will run from 3rd June to 7th June, 2026. Parents and guardians are encouraged to ensure their children benefit from this round of immunization.
Chinyere Umeh reiterated that the vaccines are free, available, and safe.
