‎Kogi State Government has commenced the second round of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week, an initiative designed to reduce illness and mortality among pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five.‎‎

The flag-off ceremony, held at Saint Luke’s Primary School, Adankolo, was presided over by the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Abdulazeez Adams Adeiza, who reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services across the state.‎‎

Dr. Abdulazeez explained that the MNCH Week focuses on delivering essential healthcare interventions for mothers and young children, particularly those in low- and middle-income households.

He noted that the state government has been working diligently to improve health outcomes, adding that the ongoing upgrade of 88 additional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) will boost access to quality and equitable services at the community level.‎‎

The Commissioner commended Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo for prioritizing healthcare development, and also appreciated development partners, traditional rulers, religious bodies, and other stakeholders for their continued support.‎‎

“This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to building a healthier and more prosperous state, with accessible, equitable, and high-quality healthcare services for all,” he said.‎‎

In his remarks, the Executive Director of the Kogi State Primary Health Care Development Agency, Musa Muazu, raised concerns over the state’s high stunting rate of 34% among children under five, based on the 2023/24 National Demographic and Health Survey.‎‎

Muazu restated the agency’s resolve to tackle malnutrition through strengthened nutrition programmes in PHCs and expanded community outreach.

He said this year’s MNCH Week will offer free healthcare services, including routine immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and health education for mothers and children aged 0–59 months. According to him, healthcare workers have already been mobilised and trained to ensure effective service delivery.

‎‎The event also featured the administration of vitamin A to children, as well as the distribution of free drugs and diapers to nursing mothers.‎‎