Ogun state government partners United Nations on social mobilization to curb health challenges

The Ogun State Ministry of Information and Strategy in collaboration with United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Wednesday organized Social Mobilization and Technical Committee Meeting aimed to safeguard the health and future of the communities, particularly in light of recent public health challenges and ongoing initiatives.

Penpushing reports that the summit held at the Ministry of Information Press Centre, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta had participants which cut across various stakeholders and include United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) officials, health workers, youth groups non-governmental organisations and media practitioners among others.

The medical experts addressed issues such as presentation of routine immunization in Ogun State/update of the upcoming measles campaign delivered by Dr Pita Obam who is the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Social Bahaviour Consultant, while managing the recurrence of cholera outbreaks in Ogun State/Enlightenment on monkeypox was handled by Dr Olubukola Omotosho, who is Health Educator Ministry of Health.

Penpushing further reports that there was presentation on birth registration and its importance/role of stakeholders, presented by Mrs Lydia Akinsibo, Deputy Director and Head of Technical Unit at National Population Commission (NPC), while the meeting equally provided interactive session for participants, who took time share experiences.

The Director of Information, Production Services, Ministry of Information and Strategy Alhaja Kemi Ewedairo-Yusuf in her welcome speech explained that the meeting was a testament to collective commitment to the health and well-being of the mothers and children in the state.

‘This platform, established through the collaborative efforts of UNICEF and the Ministry of Information and Strategy, has been instrumental in driving our shared agenda of ensuring that no mother or child is left behind in our interventions. Our focus today is on safeguarding the health and future of our communities, particularly in light of recent public health challenges and ongoing initiatives’, she added.

‘During this meeting, we will be addressing several critical issues. Firstly, we will review the recent cholera outbreak in our state, discussing the swift response of the government and the ongoing measures to prevent a resurgence. Ensuring that such outbreaks do not recur is a priority for us all, and your insights will be invaluable in refining our strategies’,Ewedairo-Yusuf stated.

Penpushing also reports that the Director added that in addition they will be discussing the global emergency posed by M-Pox, as declared by the World Health Organization (WHO), noting that as at the time of the meeting Ogun State has not yet recorded any cases.

‘It is crucial that we remain vigilant and proactive. A Health Educator from the Ministry of Health will provide us with essential information on both Cholera and M-Pox, equipping us with the knowledge needed to educate and protect our communities’, she said.

‘We will also hear from the Primary Healthcare Development Board, which will update us on the upcoming measles vaccination campaign. This campaign is a significant step in our ongoing efforts to protect our children from vaccine-preventable diseases, and we all have a role to play in its success’, Ewedairo-Yusuf emphasised.

Penpushing reports that she said experts from the Nigeria Population Commission (NPC) will discuss the importance of birth registration, stating that this was not just a procedural requirement but a fundamental right that ensures every child’s access to healthcare, education, and legal protections, adding that birth registration is a key element in mission to ensure that no child is invisible or left behind.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Waheed Adesina in his remarks said the gathering underscores shared commitment to the well-being of mothers and children, whose roles in society are undeniably crucial

Penpushing further reports that Adesina children are the future, stressing that it is only by prioritizing their survival and development that everybody can secure the future we all aspire to achieve adding that the stakeholders’ meeting, is a long-standing platform established by the collaborative efforts of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the Ministry of Information and Strategy.

‘Equally important are the mothers, the very conduits through which life enters this world. It is for this reason that our government, along with development partners like UNICEF, has made it a point of duty to ensure that both mothers and children receive the attention they rightfully deserve’, Adesina.

‘Our goal as a government is to ensure that no mother or child, irrespective of their socio-economic realities, is left behind in all our maternal and infant interventions. This commitment aligns perfectly with the global Sustainable Development Goals, which emphasize inclusivity and the well-being of all individuals’, he added.

‘You will recall that in the last two months, our State experienced an outbreak of cholera, resulting in a few unfortunate fatalities. The State government responded swiftly to the outbreak, successfully curtailing its spread. However, we recognize that our work is far from over. We are now focused on implementing preventive measures to avert any future resurgence of this disease’.

‘In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared M-Pox a global emergency. Although our State has not yet recorded any cases of M-Pox, it is imperative that we, as stakeholders, take proactive steps to educate the public on how to prevent the infection’.

Penpushing also reports that Adesina assured that the session will not only equip participants with the necessary knowledge but also empower them to play a pivotal role in safeguarding the health of the communities.

The Permanent Secretary disclosed that the state government through the Primary Healthcare Development Board, will soon embark on its measles vaccination campaign, adding that an update on this campaign will be provided by the Health Educator from the Board.

Penpushing reports that Adesina emphasized and pointed out that this campaign is a critical component of government ongoing efforts to protect the health of children and prevent outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF)Focal Person Abolanle Ogunlami from the Ministry of Information and Strategy earlier read out aims and objectives of the meeting which include raising awareness and promoting social change on specific issues as it affects our dear state, mobilising communities, stakeholders to achieve social goals and provide technical assistance and expertise to support social programs and projects

Penpushing further reports that she added that others are coordinating and collaborating with various stakeholders to achieve common goals, identifying and addressing social challenges or problems in the state and developing and implementing strategies for social development and improvement

The focal person added that objectives are to leverage important activities of line ministries and agencies of government towards actualizing SBC objectives and keep the participants abreast of relevant information needs to be disseminated to the public, and to strengthen the relationship between government/ United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and media partners who have made their platforms available for use in recent years.

Penpushing also reports that that she said to equip participants with up-to-date knowledge on the prevention and control of Cholera and M-Pox, ensuring they are well-prepared to educate and inform the public on these critical health issues and to ensure participants are fully informed about the upcoming measles vaccination campaign, enabling them to effectively mobilize and engage communities for maximum outreach and participation.

The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Focal person added that its to emphasize the importance of birth registration and ensure that all stakeholders understand its role in securing the rights and access to essential services for every child, thereby fostering a culture of accountability and inclusion.

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