The Women Initiative for Greater Anambra (WIGA), in collaboration with the Healthy Living with Nonye Soludo Initiative, hosted the Mothers’ Wellness Summit on Friday in Awka, Anambra State.
In her opening remarks, Mrs. Amaka Obi, WIGA convener, expressed gratitude to Mrs. Nonye Soludo, encouraging women to rally behind the Soludo administration. Obi emphasized the vital role mothers play in ensuring their families eat nutritious meals, urging them to propagate the message of healthy living in their communities.
The themed “Mothers’ Well-being: The Pillar of Every Home,” the event aimed to raise awareness about maternal health and the importance of nutrition in family well-being.
Dr. Bonos Mohammed, Anambra Coordinator for the World Health Organization, represented at the summit by Dr. Hope Igbonagwam, announced the upcoming introduction of the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine in Anambra in September 2025. He highlighted the importance of the MR vaccine in combating these two contagious diseases, aiming to reduce incidence rates to one case per million by 2030.
“Annually, approximately 10,000 children in Nigeria are born with Congenital Rubella Syndrome, accounting for a significant portion of the global burden.
“Measles can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and brain swelling. Vaccination is crucial for children aged nine months to 14 years, and it’s a safe measure supported by over 50 years of global usage,” Dr. Mohammed stated.
He urged mothers to educate their communities about the MR vaccine to mitigate vaccine hesitancy prior to its introduction.
Dr. Nonye Soludo, the wife of Anambra Governor, lamented the state’s low immunization rates and stressed the necessity for mothers to prioritize their children’s health.
“It concerns me that Anambra is lagging in immunization uptake. Mothers must take the time to visit health facilities to ensure their children receive vaccinations.
“A healthy child brings peace of mind and reduces the financial burdens associated with illness,” she said.
The Governor’s wife emphasized the crucial role that mothers play in the health of their families and communities. She highlighted the importance of fostering a united front towards improving maternal and child health in Anambra State.
Dr. Afam Obidike, the state’s Commissioner for Health, reassured attendees that immunizations are provided free of charge in state health facilities and encouraged mothers to report any exploitation by health care workers.
Ernest Ezeajughi, Chief of Staff to Governor Soludo and WIGA Board of Trustees Chairman, stated, “I’m proud to assume the role of the new Board Chairman for WIGA. We gather here today for the Mothers’ Wellness Summit, emphasizing the need for healthy eating. It is our collective responsibility to guide our children away from crime and support the government’s vision of a sanitized state.”
Prominent gynecologist and guest speaker, Prof. Joseph Adinma, commended Mrs. Nonye Soludo for her commitment to mothers and children. He advocated for regular visits to wellness clinics, stressing that budgeting for delivery should begin early, no matter how small the contributions. He praised Governor Soludo for providing free antenatal and delivery services, asserting that a good leader must prioritize citizens’ health and education.
Mrs. Ify Obinabo, Anambra’s Commissioner for Women Affairs, urged women to support Mrs. Nonye Soludo’s efforts to combat domestic violence and assist abuse survivors.
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