Empowering Mothers, Enriching Lives: MNCAH Plus Nutrition Week in Amuwo-Odofin Local Government

From August 12th to 16th, the Health Department of Amuwo-Odofin LGA is hosting a groundbreaking program focused on Maternal, Newborn, Child, and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) plus Nutrition. This inclusive initiative welcomes both young and old mothers, HIV-positive pregnant women, lactating mothers, newborn babies, and even men!

Generously sponsored by Mrs. Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, wife of the Governor of Lagos State, and UNICEF, the program aims to educate and support lactating and breastfeeding mothers, as well as HIV-positive women who often feel stigmatized and uncertain about their care.

The program highlights the importance of early treatment, such as Prevention of Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) and Anti-Retroviral Therapy during pregnancy, to prevent the transmission of HIV to newborns.

In an interview, Mrs. Francisco Fiyinfolu, Health Education Officer of Amuwo-Odofin LGA, emphasized the program’s significance: “This initiative helps educate HIV-positive mothers on proper care and provides them with access to drugs and health personnel guidance. It also benefits underage mothers who are new to motherhood and those without the virus, teaching them how to protect themselves. We even provide condoms and demonstrate their proper use. Men are encouraged to participate, as HIV affects both men and women.”

Additionally, the program stresses the importance of good nutrition for growing children, both before and after delivery.

The executive chairman of the LGA, Engr. Dr. Valentine pledged to support the program by creating more awareness materials to reach a wider audience of women across the local government.

This comprehensive program demonstrates the power of community and support in empowering mothers and enriching the lives of families.