Ministry Begins Maternal, Child Health Week, Monday

The Rivers State Ministry of Health is set to commence the June 2012, First Bi-Annual Maternal Newborn and Child Health Week campaign.

According to a statement by the Rivers State Commissioner for Health, Tamunoiyoriari Sampson Parker, the campaign is expected to hold from Monday, June 18, 2012 to Saturday, June 24, 2012.

Dr Parker said this round of the campaign would focus on immunising women of child bearing age (15-49 years), against tetanus and children, 0-5 years against vaccine preventable diseases like tuberculosis, whooping cough, poliomyelitis, hepatitis B, Haemophilius Influenza type B, measles, tetanus and yellow fever.

Dr parker also said there will be treatment of some childhood illnesses such as diarrhea, malaria and malnutrition as well as the administration of vitamin A, de-worming drugs, folate and iron drugs and the distribution of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLINs).

The immunisation would be carried out at primary health centres and designated temporary fixed posts.

He further stated that there will be teachings on important health practices  like hand washing, proper waste disposal, family planning, antenatal care and birth registration and charged parents and caregivers to take their children and ward to the health centres to be mimumised.

Tonye Nria-Dappa