Lagos – In a strategic push to expand access to critical health services, the Lagos State Government on Monday, June 23, 2025, kicked off the first phase of its bi-annual Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition Week (MNCH+N) in Alimosho, the state’s most populous local government area.

The launch set the stage for a week-long, statewide intervention aimed at scaling up free, lifesaving healthcare for vulnerable populations.

With the theme “Reaching for Zero Preventable Maternal and Child Deaths,” the initiative mobilises healthcare workers and resources across all 57 Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas.

The campaign runs through Friday, June 27, bringing essential services like immunization, nutrition support, antenatal care, and health education to doorsteps across Lagos.

According to health officials, the MNCH+N Week reflects the government’s broader goal to reduce health disparities and eliminate preventable deaths, especially among mothers, newborns, children, and adolescents. The choice of Alimosho for the campaign’s launch underscores the administration’s focus on high-need communities and its commitment to making comprehensive healthcare not just available—but accessible.

The First Lady, Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, addressing stakeholders, highlighted the significance of the MNCH+N Week as a critical intervention that empowers citizens with access to cost-effective, high-impact healthcare services that can transform health indices and save lives.

Dr. Claudiana Sanwo-Olu, represented by the wife of the Deputy Governor, Mrs. Oluremi Hamzat, described the MNCH+N Week as a “critical intervention” that brings high-impact, cost-effective health services closer to those who need them the most, especially women, children, and adolescents.

According to her, despite all efforts, the current under-five and infant mortality rates of 36 and 46 per 1,000 live births respectively remain a call to action. “No child deserves to die from preventable causes.”

She said: “Since its inception in Lagos in 2010, the MNCH+N Week has evolved into a national campaign. The week-long campaign will deliver a wide range of services including vitamin A supplementation, growth monitoring, free antenatal and postnatal care, family planning, counselling on home care, screening for malnutrition, as well as information and referral support for sexual and domestic violence cases.

“Services are offered free of charge daily from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at all public primary healthcare centres and designated outreach posts.”

Rises Against Quackery

Sanwo-Olu condemned the rising cases of quackery in maternal health services, urging citizens to avoid unregistered birth attendants and instead utilize services from licensed healthcare professionals or those registered under the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.

She issued stern warning against the use of unregistered birth attendants, which she said continue to endanger lives across communities. She urged families to seek care from licensed professionals or certified traditional medicine practitioners recognized by the Lagos State Traditional Medicine Board.

“Our communities must rise up to report illegal practices that put the lives of our women and children in danger,” she stated, reiterating the need for collective vigilance.

Spotlight On Alimosho

She continued, “The choice of Alimosho, Lagos’ most populous local government as the launch site was far from coincidental. Alimosho’s performance would significantly influence the outcome of the statewide outreach.”

She commended the local government’s history of community engagement and described the week as both “symbolic and strategic” in reaching grassroots populations with essential health services. She further advocate for wider registration under Ilera Eko, the state’s health insurance scheme, emphasizing that sustainability of care must extend beyond campaign periods.

Power In Collaboration

On his part, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, echoed the urgency of the campaign, calling on caregivers and families to take full advantage of the free services. He highlighted the inclusion of adolescents as beneficiaries, reflecting a broad-based strategy to reach every vulnerable group.

“Parents whose children have missed any vaccinations or Vitamin A doses should seize this opportunity. We also encourage communities to mobilize others to attend,” he urged.

Also, Representing development partners, Chief of Nutrition, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Nigeria, Nemat Hajeebhoy, hailed the Lagos State Government for its consistency and innovation in maternal and child health. She revealed that in 2024 alone, MNCH+N Week in Lagos led to nearly six million children receiving Vitamin A and three million undergoing deworming.

Introducing the Child Nutrition Fund (CNF), a new financing mechanism that doubles state investments in critical nutrition commodities, Hajeebhoy called on Lagos to join other states already leveraging the initiative. “We are confident that Lagos, with its leadership and infrastructure, can be a model for nutrition financing in Nigeria,” she added.

Community Drive, Infrastructure Development

Chairman, Alimosho local government, Hon. Jelili Sulaimon, represented by Vice Chairman Hon. Akinpelu Johnson, took the occasion to inaugurate a new administrative building at the council secretariat. He described the MNCH+N Week as “timely and essential,” pledging that Alimosho would continue to prioritise healthcare, particularly for women and children.

“Good health is not just a right, it is the foundation of economic stability and personal development.

“The journey to zero preventable maternal and child deaths requires more than medical supplies; it demands collaboration, vigilance, and sustained political will. The MNCH+N Week may last only five days, but its impact, if fully embraced, could resonate for generations.”

Independent.ng