By Kingsley Abavo
The World Health Organization (WHO), in collaboration with the Edo State Government begins the maternal, new born and child health week campaign in the State.
The campaign tagged: ‘Save One Million Lives Programme’ is total, it was said.
The State Ministry of Health through its collaborator, World Health Organization made the disclosure during a one day sensitization and training of journalists in Benin on Wednesday, 7 November, 2018.
WHO facilitators State and Local Government levels: Kate Oguigo and Aigbogie Winnie elaborated on the up – coming event slated for Monday, 19 to 23 November, 2018.
The campaign which is said to be bi – annual (twice a year), is targeted at vaccinating women of child bearing age from 15 to 49 years, and Vitamin A to children; 0 to 59 months to prevent maternal and child morbidity (state of been not healthy).
Programme package:
Apart from immunization of children 0 to 59 months, women will be availed health education on exclusive breast feeding for first six months; complementary feeding; prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV/AIDS.
Also, simple hand washing technique using soap and water; personal hygiene; and prevention of malaria using long lasting insecticidal nets.
Officers of the National Population Commission will be on ground to register all new births and issue certificates.
Family planning services will be available, de – worming drugs will be given to children, ante – natal service including malaria prevention and treatment, administration of Tetanus Diptheria vaccine to pregnant women, also, nutrition screening.
Immunization is safe, as repeated oral prevention vaccination will increase the child’s immunity, it was stressed.
In a single visit, all health interventions will be provided for mother and child with emphasis on Vitamin A supplementation.
As the package is total, of high impact, low cost, preventive/curative services, and cost effective, WHO asserted.
The Organization pointed out that all services during the week long programme would be free hence all mothers/ caregivers are advised to seize the opportunity and take their children to the nearest Health Centre or designated points.
The programme is stationary hence Vaccinators will not move from house to house, it added.
Time daily, will be from 8: 00am to 4:00pm.
