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…launches the first phase of MNCH Week in Uyo
✍ Itoro-Etas Iniobong
The wife of the Chairman, of Uyo Local Government Area, Mrs. Akaninyene Uwemedimo has advised mothers in the area on the need to eat and also serve their children healthy and nutritious meals.
Mrs. Uwemedimo noted that many natural foods found in our localities were far more nutritious than the fast food and other inorganic food that many prefer today.
Speaking at the launch of the first round of optimised Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week, 2023 in Uyo the chairman’s wife called on mothers with children less than 6 months old to choose exclusive breastfeeding, eat healthy foods and give their children above 6 months adequate complimentary food and serve homemade fresh natural juices instead of fizzy drinks to boost their micronutrient needs.
While emphasising the need for proper complementary feeding practices, Mrs. Uwemedimo further encouraged mothers to take immunisation as an important investment in the lives of their children for their overall well-being.
She appreciated the wife of the Akwa Ibom State Governor, Pastor Patience Umo Eno for her interest in the welfare of women and children via the assurance that the ARISE Agenda of His Excellency, Pst. Umo Eno has captured health care service delivery as paramount for the good of the State, while also commending the Dr. Uwemedimo Uwemedimo Udo-led administration for its commitment to improving primary health infrastructure in Uyo.
Earlier in her address, the Director, Primary Healthcare for Uyo, Mrs. Peace Essien affirmed that to meet a global target in maternal, newborn, and child health services, it requires the participation of all, not just the government.
The optimised Maternal Newborn campaign supported by UNICEF, aims to improve maternal and child health through essential services and supplies, targeting a significant number of pregnant women and children to reduce mortality rates.
The event which was held at the Primary Health Center, Uyo Operational Base on Wednesday, July 5, 2023, featured health talks, presentation of gift packs to mothers and their children by the Chairman’s wife, provision of Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and all routine immunisation for children under 5 years of age and Iron folate for pregnant/nursing mothers.
Present at the event were the Chairman, House Committee on Women Affairs in Uyo Legislative Council, Hon. Praise Otuekong, Supervisor for Health, Veronica Effiong, Deputy Director of Health in Uyo, Mrs. Margaret Offiong, Akwa Ibom State Nutrition Officer, Mrs. Ekaette Ibanga, Independent Monitor from UNICEF, Prof. Nnenna Onuoha and the Women Development Officer for Uyo, Mrs. Enobong Akang.
