Lagos state first lady warns pregnant women against patronising quacks

The Wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, has warned pregnant women against patronising quacks for antenatal, delivery, and post-natal health services. Sanwo-Olu said this during the flag-off of the Y2023 Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health Plus Nutrition (MNCAH+N) Week, on Monday at Badagry, Lagos.

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She noted that continued patronage of quacks under any guise poses danger to the health and well-being of pregnant women and their unborn children.

“We also need to discourage pregnant women from patronising quacks who hide under the guise of traditional medicine while practicing orthodox medicine illegally. These quacks further endanger the lives of victims who patronise them. I commend the efforts of the Traditional Medicine Board and appeal to them to intensify efforts in monitoring and exposing these quacks operating in our communities,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu noted that the MNCAH+N week was a vital health event in Lagos that emphasises the importance of practicing good health-seeking behaviours for the well-being of mothers, children, adolescents, and the whole family. She also emphasised on the government’s zero tolerance for sexual and domestic violence, urging the community to work together to eradicate such crimes.

According to her, Lagos pioneered the initiative in 2012 to provide essential healthcare services to under-five children, mothers, women of childbearing age, and men.

“To implement this year’s MNCAH+N week, a multipronged approach will be taken, with all stakeholders expected to support the initiative. The programme will run from Nov. 6 to Nov. 10, across primary healthcare centres and designated sites, offering services like routine immunisation, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, malnutrition screening, counseling on infant and young child feeding, family planning services, and more. This programme is designed to ensure that all children receive necessary healthcare, particularly those who have defaulted on immunisation or have never been immunised,” she said.

Sanwo-Olu, represented by Mrs Abimbola Idowu, Wife of the Chairman of Ojo LGA, commended the state governor for his relentless efforts towards improving the health sector and continually putting measures in place to ensure inclusive, prompt and effective healthcare services for citizens.

In her remarks, Celine Lafoucriere, Chief of Lagos Field Office, UNICEF, also lauded the Lagos State Government’s unwavering commitment to maternal and children’s health and well-being. She reaffirmed UNICEF’s commitment to support the state government in achieving universal health coverage, particularly for children and mothers.

NAN/Wumi