In a heartwarming turn of events, the 2025 Round One Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week in Abia State began on a miraculous note as a pregnant woman, Mrs. Success Solomon from Isiala Ngwa North Local Government Area, was safely delivered of a bouncing baby boy during the flag-off ceremony at Umuahia North Council Headquarters.
The baby, who weighed 2.7kg at birth, was immediately taken with his mother to the nearby Primary Health Centre on Ojike Street, where they are receiving quality medical care. Both mother and child are reported to be in excellent condition—a powerful symbol of the purpose and urgency behind the week’s activities.
Speaking at the ceremony, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, underscored the state’s determination to reduce maternal and child mortality caused by preventable conditions.
Represented by the Commissioner for Women Affairs, Dr. Maureen Aghukwa, the Governor’s wife noted that today’s sensitization and intervention efforts are part of a broader commitment to ensure that no woman or child dies from avoidable causes in Abia.
“Any initiative that will reduce the mortality rate among mothers and children is not just welcome—it is necessary, and it has the full support of Governor Alex Otti,” she affirmed.
Her Excellency urged mothers to make use of the equipped and renovated primary healthcare centers within their communities, exclusively breastfeed their newborns, and avoid patronizing unqualified medical practitioners. She praised Governor Otti’s prioritization of the health sector and called on health workers to embrace continuous learning and practical skill-building to serve the people better.
She further appealed to the media and traditional rulers to become agents of change by mobilizing women to seek proper care in primary healthcare centers, thereby reducing the burden on healthcare professionals and improving health outcomes across communities.
Reacting to the joyful delivery, the wife of the Governor of Abia State, Her Excellency Mrs. Priscilla Otti, expressed deep excitement and gratitude to God for the safe arrival of the newborn.
“What a beautiful way to begin this life-saving journey,” Her Excellency said. “The birth of this baby boy during the flag-off is not just symbolic; it is divine confirmation that our efforts are timely, needed, and effective. I rejoice with Mrs. Success Solomon and her family. May this child grow in strength, wisdom, and good health. Today, we are reminded why we must never relent in prioritizing maternal and child health.”
Also speaking at the event, the Commissioner for Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, Mrs. Blessing Felix, highlighted the inter-ministerial and inter-agency collaboration powering the MNCH Week. According to her, the partnership between the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, the Office of the Wife of the Governor, Ministries of Health, Women Affairs, Poverty Alleviation and Social Protection, and esteemed development partners like UNICEF, WHO, and PanAfricare is a testament to shared commitment.
“This Week is more than a program—it is an impactful intervention that aligns with our vision of a fair, inclusive, and functional social protection system,” she noted. “By giving mothers and children access to healthcare, nutrition, immunization, and education, we are building a foundation for reduced poverty, lower unemployment, and a more harmonious society.”
On his part, the Commissioner for Health, Prof. Enoch Uche, lauded the unwavering support of Governor Otti to the health sector, describing the MNCH Week as a “clarion call for collective action to ensure mothers and children live healthy, fulfilling lives.”
Dr. Kalu Ulu Kalu, Executive Secretary of the Abia State Primary Healthcare Development Agency, emphasized that the MNCH Week delivers a proven package of basic, life-saving interventions. These include vitamin A supplementation, immunization catch-up, tetanus-diphtheria vaccination for pregnant women, deworming, malnutrition screening for children under five, antenatal care, and breastfeeding education.
“The implementation of the 2025 MNCH Week is a clear testament to our government’s commitment to the well-being of Abia’s most vulnerable populations,” Dr. Kalu affirmed.
In their goodwill messages, representatives of UNICEF, WHO, PanAfricare, and other development partners commended Abia State’s focused investment in maternal and child health. They expressed optimism that these collaborative efforts will significantly reduce preventable diseases and foster a healthier future for women and children across the state.
From a new birth to renewed partnerships, the 2025 MNCH Week in Abia is already proving to be a beacon of life, hope, and health.
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