By Regina Aforgu
The Executive Mayor of Idemili South Local Government Area, Hon. Mrs. Amaka Obi (Iyom Ifeabata), has flagged off the first round of the 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (MNCHW) at the Local Government Areas (LGA).
She reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services, promoting the well-being of women and children across the LGA.
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The ceremony, held on June 10, marked the commencement of a week-long health intervention programme aimed at reducing maternal and infant mortality, improving child survival and expanding access to essential healthcare services at the grassroots.
Representing the Mayor at the event, the Supervisor for Health, Hon. Ifeanyi Mbaegbu, said the initiative underscores the administration’s resolve to ensure that mothers and children receive the care they need to live healthy and productive lives.
He noted that investing in maternal and child health remains critical to achieving sustainable community development and economic growth, stressing that healthy families form the foundation of a prosperous society.
According to him, beneficiaries of the programme will receive free healthcare services, including Vitamin A supplementation, deworming medication, immunization drops for children and prenatal vitamins for pregnant women.
Hon. Mbaegbu emphasized that the delivery of high-impact, low-cost healthcare interventions at the grassroots would help bridge existing healthcare access gaps, ensuring that no mother or child is left behind because of distance or financial limitations.
He called on traditional rulers, religious leaders, community stakeholders and residents to support the programme by mobilizing eligible women and children to take advantage of the free services.
Health officials at the event described community participation as a key factor in the success of the Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week, noting that increased uptake of the services would significantly reduce the incidence of preventable childhood illnesses and deaths.
They disclosed that all primary healthcare centres in Idemili South have been adequately stocked and mobilized to provide quality healthcare services throughout the exercise.
The LGA administration expressed optimism that the first round of the 2026 Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week would record remarkable success, contributing to improved health outcomes for mothers, newborns and children across the Local Government Areas.
Regina Aforgu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State
