FIC Report (Edo State) – The Edo State Government has officially inaugurated the 2026 Maternal, Newborn, and Child Health Week (MNCHW), emphasizing its unwavering dedication to improving healthcare outcomes for mothers and children within the state. The event, held at Aruogba Primary Health Centre, June 8th, 2026 in Benin City, marked the commencement of the first round of this critical health initiative.
Representing the Office of the First Lady of Edo State, Mrs. Edesili Okpebholo Anani, the Coordinator, reaffirmed the state’s resolve to combat child morbidity and mortality, particularly those linked to Vitamin A deficiency. She highlighted that the campaign also aims to bolster efforts in preventing Human Papillomavirus (HPV) infections through increased awareness and immunization initiatives.
Mrs. Anani explained that MNCHW is a biannual, integrated health service platform designed to deliver vital health and nutrition interventions twice each year. She emphasized that the program encompasses a range of services, including Vitamin A supplementation, deworming, and Mid-Upper Arm Circumference (MUAC) screening to detect malnutrition among children aged 0–59 months. The initiative also targets pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five, providing promotive, preventive, and curative health services to enhance their well-being.
In her address, Mrs. Anani noted that recent health statistics have prompted intensified efforts. The Edo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (EDSPHCDA), in collaboration with various partners, has conducted extensive planning meetings to ensure the successful implementation of this year’s MNCHW activities. She further disclosed that nutrition commodities have been distributed across all 18 local government areas to facilitate effective service delivery during the campaign.
The Coordinator called on Traditional Rulers, Religious Leaders, Market Women, and Community Stakeholders to mobilize their Communities, ensuring that every eligible Child receives Vitamin A supplementation. She also announced that MUAC measurements would be conducted to identify severely malnourished children, while pregnant women and girls would receive micronutrient supplements and HPV vaccines, respectively.
Mrs. Anani praised the collective efforts of the National and State Primary Health Care Development Agencies, the Edo State Ministry of Health, and development partners for their continuous support toward advancing maternal and child health outcomes in the state.
In a separate statement, Dr. Nora Eyo, the World Health Organization (WHO) Edo State Coordinator, commended the state government for its support of development partners and underscored the importance of the campaign. She urged mothers to take their children to nearby health centers for vaccination and supplementation, emphasizing that these measures are crucial for safeguarding children’s health.
Furthermore, Dr. Coulson Oahimire Osoikhia, the Executive Secretary of EDSPHCDA, expressed appreciation for the government’s backing. He explained that the campaign’s primary goal is to achieve high coverage through outreach and facility-based strategies, which are essential for boosting immunity, maintaining eye health, and supporting the overall growth and survival of children.
The event reached its climax with the administration of Vitamin A capsules and deworming tablets to participating children, officially launching the health campaign across Edo State. This initiative underscores the state’s commitment to safeguarding the health and future of its youngest citizens through targeted interventions and community mobilization.
By Anegbe-Isaac Queen Adeola
Chief Executive Info. Officer 1
FIC Benin
June 9th, 2026
