LASG rolls out second round of free weeklong family health services

By Adeola Ogunrinde
In a determined move to improve family health and reduce preventable deaths, the Lagos State Government has announced the commencement of the second round of its free weeklong Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week.
Scheduled to hold from December 16 to 20, 2024, the program promises free, life-saving healthcare services at designated centers across the state.
The Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Health, Dr. (Mrs.) Kemi Ogunyemi, disclosed that over 1,400 service delivery points—including 310 fixed, 376 temporary fixed, and 752 mobile units—have been set up for the exercise.
She further revealed that the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, will flag off the event at the Shomolu Local Government Secretariat, emphasizing the government’s commitment to fostering holistic family health.
According to her, the key services to be provided include the administration of vaccinations with all antigens at fixed posts, including OPV, Pentavalent, Measles, HBV 0, IPV, and other routine immunizations as per schedule.
“Others are Vitamin A supplementation for children aged six to 59 months, deworming of children aged 12 to 59 months, malnutrition screening, HIV and Tuberculosis testing, and birth registration,” she said.
She added that nursing mothers and caregivers will also benefit from counseling on Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF), food demonstrations, and the management of minor illnesses like malaria and malnutrition.
She noted that family planning services, antenatal care, postnatal care, and demonstrations of hygiene practices such as handwashing are also integrated into the program.
“This initiative consolidates our efforts to reduce maternal and child mortality while improving access to essential healthcare for families across Lagos,” Ogunyemi emphasized.
The Special Adviser stated that the Ministry of Health has partnered with other key ministries, including Women Affairs, Education, and Agriculture, alongside development partners and community leaders to ensure seamless implementation, adding that over 4,000 health workers have been trained to deliver the services in line with global best practices.