Gov. Adeleke urges mothers to embrace child immunisation during health week

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has urged mothers across the state to utilize the free life-saving health services provided during the 2025 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) Week to safeguard the well-being of their children.

Speaking during the official flag-off ceremony held at the Ministry of Health, State Secretariat Complex, Abere, the Governor who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Barr. Jola Akintola emphasized the importance of the initiative in improving maternal and child health outcomes.

According to Akintola, the MNCH Week will offer a range of services including Vitamin A supplementation, micronutrient support for pregnant women, contraceptives for women of reproductive age, and HPV vaccines for girls aged 9 to 14. He said the programme reflects the Adeleke administration’s commitment to accessible, quality healthcare for all residents of Osun.

He further highlighted key achievements in the state’s health sector, such as enrolling over 25,000 retirees in the Osun Social Health Insurance Scheme, free insurance coverage for 1,770 tuberculosis patients and 300 individuals living with HIV/AIDS, 100% hazard allowance payment for healthcare workers, and the renovation of primary healthcare centres with 24-hour power and water supply.

The commissioner also commended development partners including UNICEF, WHO, and The Challenge Initiative (TCI) for their continued collaboration, as well as healthcare workers for their dedication.

Goodwill messages were delivered by top stakeholders including the Special Adviser to the Governor on Primary Healthcare, Dr. Oyerinde Michael; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle; Dr. Fakoyejo (WHO); Mr. Israel (UNICEF); and Dr. Busola Oyeyemi (TCI), all of whom emphasized the week’s significance in reducing maternal and child mortality.

Chairman of the Osun Primary Healthcare Board, Hon. Tajudeen Adisa, disclosed that the programme will run simultaneously across all 332 wards and 778 health facilities, targeting over 1.1 million children under five and providing iron-folate supplements to eligible women.

The event concluded with the symbolic administration of vaccines and the presentation of certificates to trained healthcare workers participating in the campaign.