To mark the 2024 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNBCH) Week, the Niger State Ministry of Primary Health Care, in collaboration with Yomola Goodwill Foundation (NGO), organized a road walk to raise awareness about the significance of the week and the activities planned for the benefit of mothers and children.

Gabriel Adewale Olarewaju, a representative of Yomola Goodwill Foundation in Niger State, explained that the road walk provided an opportunity for mothers, parents, caregivers, and community leaders to learn about the ministry’s services, such as the distribution of vitamin A, intensive care, and check-ups to address child malnutrition.

Olarewaju emphasized that the week-long activities focus on providing interventions for mothers, children, and newborns (0-59 months). He praised the partnership with the Ministry of Primary Health Care, aiming to promote awareness and ensure the distribution of essential food commodities to improve the health of mothers and strengthen children’s immunity through breastfeeding.

He also commended the ministry for its openness to collaboration, which he believes will enhance the state’s health sector.

Alhaji Bala Musa, Deputy Director of the Niger State Directorate of National Orientation Agency (NOA), urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the week’s activities by bringing their children to nearby health facilities. He also encouraged pregnant women to participate in the services available, including antenatal care, immunization, health talks, nutrition screening, HIV testing and counselling, child spacing, and birth registration.

Musa reassured the public that all medical services during the week would be free and appealed to husbands to support their wives in accessing these services.

The road walk, which started at Barikin Sale junction, passed through Kpakungun Community and ended at the Kpakungun Primary Health Care Center in Minna. It included visits to motor parks, mechanic shops, flyer distributions, and sensitization activities at the Kpakungun Health Center.