The Nasarawa State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing quality and accessible healthcare services to its people. The Commissioner of Health, Dr. Gaza Gwona, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr. John Damina, made this commitment today during the official flag-off ceremony of the 2025 first round of Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health (MNCH) week in Akurba, Lafia.

Dr. Damina urged parents and caregivers to take advantage of the program by bringing their children to designated centers where health workers will be stationed to offer free medical services.

He explained, “Health workers will be deployed close to your communities across all primary healthcare facilities to provide services such as vitamin A supplementation, immunization, nutrition assessment, antenatal care, family planning services, and health education.”

Highlighting the importance of the MNCH week, Dr. Damina stated that these interventions would help reduce maternal and child mortality, improve maternal health, and contribute to building a healthier community. He also commended the efforts of His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Sule for strengthening healthcare services, as well as development partners for their support and cooperation towards improving healthcare delivery.

During the flag-off, the State First Lady, Her Excellency Haj. Salifat Abdullahi Sule, appealed to mothers to make use of the opportunity by presenting their children for health services at no cost. She warned that such services might not remain free beyond the week.

“These commodities brought to you by the government free of charge are expensive and may not be affordable if you had to buy them yourselves. The government provides them free, so don’t miss this opportunity for the benefit of your children,” she advised.

In his vote of thanks, the Executive Secretary of Nasarawa State Primary Healthcare Development Agency (NAPHDA), Dr. Usman Iskilu Saleh, applauded His Excellency Engr. Abdullahi Sule for his continued support in ensuring healthcare services are accessible and affordable. He cited the ongoing revitalization of 85 primary healthcare centers as a critical step towards improving service delivery.

Dr. Saleh also acknowledged the dedication of the First Lady, Her Excellency Haj. Salifat Abdullahi Sule, for her commitment to the health and well-being of the people, praising her for always being available whenever approached on health-related matters. He further thanked development partners for their investment in the well-being of the people.

In goodwill messages, the ALGON Chairman, Hon. Safiyanu Isa Andaha, represented by the Chairman of Obi Local Government Area, Hon. Mohammed Sani KK, commended the Executive Secretary for partnering with local governments in retreats and workshops. He expressed the union’s readiness to respond to all calls for support.

Representatives from Helen Keller International, WHO, and UNICEF also praised the state government for providing counterpart funding to support health interventions and for promptly addressing health issues in the state. They pledged to continue assisting the government in healthcare service delivery.