National Child Health Week in Nigeria

The first-ever National Child Health Week in Nigeria has been launched by Unicef.

Beginning on August 1st, the event is set to continue until August 8th and is being viewed a way to increase awareness and support for health issues.

There will be a week-long health drive throughout the country, including the distribution of immunisations, insecticide-treated mosquito nets, de-worming medicines and counselling for mothers on issues like hygiene and breast feeding.

Ann M Veneman, Unicef executive director, commented: "Sadly, more children die in Nigeria than any other country in Africa, largely from preventable diseases. Child Health Weeks have proven to be a highly effective strategy to save lives and prevent illness.

"During this Child Health Week, 30 million children will receive immunisations, including for polio. Nigeria is one of the four remaining polio endemic countries in the world and accounted for 85 per cent of all cases in Africa."

From now on, National Child Health Week will be held twice annually in Nigeria.

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