Commissioner Flags Off MNCH Week In Rivers

The people of Okrika
in Okrika Local Government Area of Rivers State have been charged to take advantage of the national universities exercise second round of this year’s Maternal Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Week which has commenced in the state.
The state Commissioner for Health, Dr Tamunoiyoriari Sampson Parker, gave this charge  at the flag-off of the November MNCH Week at the Ibaka Model Primary Healthcare Centre, Okrika, yesterday.
Dr Parker said caring for the health of both the woman and the child begins  from the time of conception and charged them to take advantage of the immunization campaign by allowing their under five years children to be vaccinated, while he enjoined the women and those of child bearing age to also avail themselves the opportunity the campaign affords and be vaccinated against tetanus .
Parker listed the benefits of the week-long campaign, which he said would run through December 3-8, 2013, to include, healthy mother and safe delivery, reduction in malaria attacks, correct and adequate health knowledge, birth registration among others and charged them to be knowledgeable about their HIV/AIDS status.
In a vote of thanks, the chairman of Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management  Board, Dr Uriel Etawo urged the people to take care of their environment and do “everything you can to protect your health”.
High point of the event was the immunization of children, distribution of insecticide treated bed nets and the release of balloons signifying the commencement of the MNCH in the 23 local government areas of the State by the Health Commissioner.

Tonye Nria-Dappa

Garden City Lions Club, Port Harcourt immunising children against Measles