1 week Ago By Chioma Umeha
Lagos – To meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, the United Nations Association of Nigeria (UNAN) in collaboration with Lagos State and other stakeholders has organised a walk and free medical care for improved maternal, newborn and child health in communities. Hundreds of residents benefitted from free medical care which was held in Onikan General Hospital, Onikan, Lagos, which was supported by the CAP Foundation, Nigerian Red Cross Society, Lagos State Branch to commemorate the World Health Day on Monday. Giving her keynote address, Dr.
Oreoluwa Finnih, Special Adviser to the Governor on SDGs, commended UNAN, while remarking that the programme aligns with the efforts to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 3, The SDG 3 mandates all countries and governments to “Ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.” Finnih reminded that it is targeted at maternal and child health, to reduce maternal mortality, end preventable deaths of newborns and children under five, and address infectious and non-communicable diseases. The Special Adviser expressed the commitment of Lagos State towards improved healthcare for mothers and children, saying, “In Lagos State, we believe that healthy communities are empowered communities.
When a mother can access prenatal care, when a child receives timely immunization, when a young man in Makoko or a senior citizen in Badagry can walk into a clinic and receive dignified care—that is sustainable development in action.” The topic for the day was “Advancing Community Health and Well-being for Sustainable Development.” Other speakers were the Chief Medical Director, Onikan General Hospital, Onikan, Dr.
Adebajo and Mrs. Nice Ejinkeonye from Caleb Ayanwusi. They spoke on healthy living, hygiene, and good nutrition.
There was also a question and answer session which revealed the need for more awareness programmes on bringing improved access to healthcare very close to people at the community level. In addition to the free medical check-ups, participants were also given free drugs, courtesy of the Caleb Ayanwusi Foundation. World Health Day is an annual worldwide health awareness day observed on April 7 by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other relevant organizations.
April 7 marks the anniversary of the World Health Organization’s foundation in 1948. The theme this year focuses on a year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health, “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures. To stress the importance of maternal and newborn health, the World Health Organization (WHO) has chosen the theme ‘Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures’ for 2025.
The issue emphasises the importance of improving healthcare services to lay a firm foundation for future generations. In his welcome address, Prof. Oluremi Olutimo, President, UNA-Nigeria recommended some rules to observe a healthy living.
These include keeping one’s diet nutritious, hydrated, maintaining physical activity level, managing stress and mental health, and avoid bad habits as well as making restful sleep a priority. He said, “The Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures campaign encourages governments, health services, and communities to take action to stop unnecessary maternal and newborn mortality while prioritizing women’s long-term health and well-being. “Every mother deserves the best care, and every child deserves a strong, healthy start in life.
Together, we can build a future in which every mother and baby flourish,” Olutimo added..
