The Chairman of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, Dr. Gift Worlu, has flagged off the Optimized Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week (OMNCHW) at the Council Secretariat in Rumuodamaya, Rivers State.
The week-long programme targets pregnant women, nursing mothers, newborns, under-five children, caregivers and men, with the goal of expanding access to essential healthcare services and strengthening preventive care across communities.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Worlu reaffirmed his commitment to improving grassroots healthcare, describing the initiative as a strategic investment in human capital development.
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He expressed optimism that the distribution of maternal and child health items would contribute to a healthier and longer-living population.
Health workers and development partners were commended for their dedication, with the Chairman urging them to carry out the exercise with a people-centred focus.
In her remarks, the Medical Officer of Health (MOH), Dr. Babep Chiney, applauded the Chairman for his continuous support. She described the oMNCHW as a vital intervention designed to reduce maternal and child mortality and encourage preventive healthcare.
Dr. Chiney noted that health personnel had been deployed across all wards to ensure smooth implementation and urged residents to visit designated primary health centres to access the free services.
The flag-off also featured the distribution of essential commodities, including vitamin supplements, deworming tablets, insecticide-treated nets, and other life-saving interventions.
