Bayelsa State has formally launched the second round of the 2025 Maternal, Newborn & Child Health Week (MNCHW), reaffirming the government’s commitment to safeguarding the health and well-being of mothers, newborns and children across the state. The flag-off ceremony, held on Tuesday, 25th November 2025, brought together top government officials, development partners and key stakeholders in the health sector.
The event was performed by the First Lady of Bayelsa State, who was represented by Hon. Ikioumoton Pasisei, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health. She noted that the initiative reflects the government’s proactive approach to improving maternal and child health indicators, adding that every child deserves a healthy start to life and every mother deserves access to quality care.
Also present was the Honourable Commissioner for Health, Prof. Seiyefa Brisibe, who emphasized that the MNCH Week remains a critical strategy for reducing preventable maternal and child deaths. He stated that the state government, in collaboration with its partners, is committed to ensuring that essential health services reach even the most hard-to-reach communities.
The Executive Secretary of the Bayelsa State Primary Health Care Board, Chief Dr. Appah Williams Weri, highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen primary healthcare delivery, noting that sustained support and community participation are vital for the success of the exercise.
Development partners including the World Health Organization (WHO), the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), UNICEF and other collaborators expressed their readiness to continue supporting the state in scaling up lifesaving interventions. Representatives of the agencies commended Bayelsa for prioritizing maternal and child health, stressing that sustained partnerships are key to achieving better health outcomes.
This round of the MNCH Week will deliver a package of services including routine immunization, vitamin A supplementation, deworming for children, antenatal care services for pregnant women, nutrition counselling and general health education. Community members were encouraged to visit designated health facilities to take full advantage of the free services.
The flag-off ceremony signalled the beginning of an intensified week-long outreach designed to strengthen access to essential healthcare. Stakeholders reiterated that the health of mothers and children remains fundamental to building stronger families and fostering a prosperous society.
With collective effort, Bayelsa State hopes to continue advancing its commitment to accessible, equitable and lifesaving healthcare services for all.
