By Daniel Tyokua
The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it is targeting 1,497,665 children for the first round of 2026 maternal, newborn, and child week for a wide range of free medical services, scheduled for June 3–7, 2026.
Speaking at a media orientation in Abuja on Tuesday, FCT Mandate Secretary for Health Services and Environment Secretariat, Dr. Adedolapo Fasawe, described the exercise as a biannual, high-impact initiative that brings life-saving services closer to families.
Fasawe, who was represented by Dr. Nicholas Okoli of the FCT Primary Health Care Board, said the immunization will cover the six Area Councils.
The pledged the board commitment to intensifying routine immunization and providing Vitamin A supplementation for children aged 6 to 59 months.
“On behalf of the Health Services and Environment Secretariat, I declare this Media Orientation open. I look forward to impactful coverage that translates awareness into action and action into healthier futures for our mothers and children.
“Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Week is a biannual, high-impact initiative. For one focused week, we bring proven, life-saving services closer to families: we intensify routine immunization; provide vitamin A for children 6 to 59 months and deworming for children 12 to 59 months.
We screen for malnutrition and counsel on feeding and hygiene; we support pregnant women with antenatal and postnatal services, iron-folate supplementation, malaria prevention in pregnancy where indicated, breastfeeding and newborn care counseling; and we offer family planning information and services.
“These are simple, evidence-based interventions. Delivered together, at the right time and place, they save lives.
The media’s role in this effort is pivotal. You help families know when and where to go. You build trust by sharing clear, verified information. You counter rumors with facts.
“And you shine a light on the dedication of our frontline health workers while holding us accountable for respectful, high-quality care. Put plainly: your reporting can be the difference between a child reached and a child missed.
“The public needs to hear—clearly, repeatedly, and in the languages they understand. First, that MNCHW starts tomorrow in all six Area Councils. Services are available at primary health care facilities and designated outreach points, with mobile teams for hard-to-reach settlements. Second, that services are free.
“Third, that parents should bring their child’s health card; if they don’t have one, it will be provided on site. Fourth, that zero-dose and defaulting children are welcome—no child is turned away. And finally, that pregnant women should attend early and regularly for antenatal care; they will find counseling and support throughout this week”
On her part, the FCT state nutrition officer, Mrs. Chinyere Ekwueme said the exercises will be carried out in all government health facilities across the Six area council.
She said families can access oral rehydration therapy (ORT) demonstrations, birth registration services, and comprehensive immunization programs, which cover routine immunization (RI) antigens, Td vaccines for pregnant women, and HPV vaccines targeted at nine-year-old girls.
According to him, the Maternal health is strongly supported through antenatal care (ANC) for pregnant women—encompassing vital check-ups like palpation, blood pressure, and height measurements, as well as the distribution of Folic Acid and multiple micronutrient supplements (MMS).
In addition, participating facilities offer voluntary HIV counseling. To promote long-term family wellness, these centers also deliver extensive health education focusing on key household practices, including proper handwashing, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), and introducing appropriate complementary foods.
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