The Kwara State Government, in collaboration with the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and other partners, has launched a statewide Maternal, Neonatal, and Child Health (MNCH) Week to improve the wellbeing of mothers, newborns, and children across all 193 wards in the 16 local government areas of the state.
The five-day health campaign, which began on Monday, focuses on delivering essential healthcare services, including routine immunizations, nutritional support, family planning, and health education.
A major highlight of this year’s campaign is the introduction of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine for girls aged 9 to 14, aimed at preventing cervical cancer.
In Moro Local Government Area, the programme was flagged off at the council headquarters in Bode-Saadu by the LGA Chairperson, Mariam AbdulWasiu, who was represented by Alhaji Usman AbdulWasiu.
The chairperson administered the first dose of the HPV vaccine to eligible girls, underscoring the importance of early protection against cervical cancer.
She urged traditional rulers, religious leaders, and community stakeholders to spread awareness and encourage widespread participation, especially among parents.
She also commended the support of the Kwara State government, the Governor’s wife, Ambassador Olufolake Abdulrazaq, and UNICEF for their continued investment in maternal and child health.
Director of Nursing Services in Moro LGA, Hajia Ramat Yusuf, revealed that a school-based HPV vaccination campaign is also underway, targeting eligible girls directly in schools.
In addition to the HPV rollout, the National Immunization Plus Days (NIPDs) will provide children with life-saving vaccines against diseases such as polio, measles, and tetanus.
“These services will be available at primary healthcare centres and through mobile outreach teams to ensure no child or mother is left behind.
“Our goal is to ensure every mother, child, and girl receives the care, protection, and dignity they deserve,” Yusuf stated.
Dr. Usman Danlami, UNICEF’s Social and Behaviour Change Officer and Health Consultant for Kwara State, emphasized the safety and effectiveness of the HPV vaccine, encouraging parents to embrace the programme.
“We are targeting girls aged 9 to 14 because this is the most effective period to administer the vaccine. It is safe, effective, and provided free of charge,” he said, urging community leaders to help dispel vaccine-related myths and misinformation.
Alhaji Mohammed Ndawoga, Head of the Department of Health in Moro LGA, confirmed that the MNCH week is being implemented across all 17 wards in the area, with trained health teams offering services both at healthcare facilities and via mobile outreach.
Traditional leaders, including the Magaji of Lakala, Mallam Ahmed Hamza, representing the Daudu of Bode-Saadu, pledged continued community mobilization through the Forum of Magajis and Alanguas.
Religious leaders are also lending support, with the Chief Imam of Bode-Saadu, Alhaji Ibrahim Nuru, announcing plans to use the upcoming Hijrah Day celebrations to raise vaccine awareness.
Mrs. Serah Adekunle, Director of Nursing Services, concluded the session with health education for mothers, highlighting the importance of completing children’s full vaccine schedules and adopting child-spacing practices to reduce maternal and infant mortality.
“This is more than a health programme—it’s an investment in the future of our children and the growth of our communities,” she affirmed.
