LSACA PARTNERS MINISTRY OF HEALTH ON MNCAH WEEK
In commemoration of the Year 2020 Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (MNCAH) week, flagged off by the First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Aids Control Agency (LSACA), has partnered the State Ministry of Health to provide free HIV Testing Service (HTS) to all Lagosians.
Addressing participants, on Tuesday, at the compound of Baale, Ekore-Oworonsoki, Kosofe Local Government Area (LGA), the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), LSACA, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke said the partnership is to enhance grassroots penetration of its community engagement and participation in HIV/AIDS-related issues in all parts of the State.
She said, “The Ministry of Health is spearheading the weeklong event at the various Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) to provide family planning procedures for both men and women, deworming of children, provision of antenatal and postnatal care services, Vitamin A supplementation and immunisation for children, among others. We also want to charge the entire citizenry to know their HIV/AIDS status because Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed LSACA to ensure that people get tested Statewide”.
Adeleke emphasised that having the HTS with other healthcare services will not only avail Lagosians the opportunity to a wholesome healthcare delivery, it will also instill the understanding that testing positive to the virus is not a death sentence.
She encouraged residents to utilise the 142 Antiretroviral Treatment (ART) Centres in the State to determine their status as early as possible and take the necessary precautions, saying the exercise will support the achievement of the Global Epidemic Control of HIV/AIDS by the end of 2020 and the eradication of new infections in the State by 2030.
While appealing that residents should observe the COVID-19 prevention protocols as mandated by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) considering the gradual easing of the lockdown, Mrs. Adeleke stated that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has approved the distribution of some food items as relief materials to cushion the adverse economic effects caused by the pandemic.
The Medical Officer, Health Department, Kosofe LGA, Dr. (Mrs.) Adenike Oluseyi Oguntuase, projected that the programme will positively impact on and improve all other healthcare services rendered in the State since the exercise extends to the general outpatient services, where common ailments are reported and treated.
She assured that the programme will in no small measure lead to the reduction of morbidity and mortality rate among young and old residents of the State.
Responding on behalf of the residents, the Baale Ekore-Oworonsoki, Chief Surajudeen Lasisi Awomade Miyaki, commended the Lagos State government for the initiative, stating that the programme underscored the commitment of Lagos State Government to bring quality healthcare services closer to the citizenry.
