Sanwo-Olu Welcomes First Babies Of Y2023, Restates Commitment To Improved Maternal & Child Health Care Services

Baby Ayinde, a Male who weighed 3.1 kg delivered at exactly 12:01 AM by Mrs. Ayinde is the first baby of the year at the Eti-Osa Maternal Child Centre (MCC). Baby Iromain, a Female who weighed 2.9Kg and delivered at 12:02 AM by Mrs. Iromain is the first baby of the year at Ebute-Metta General Hospital, while the first babies of the year at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja are Triplets delivered through Cesarean Section by Mrs. Olufoye. The first child, a female, weighing 2.2kg was delivered at exactly 12:07 am; the second child, a male who weighed 2kg was delivered at 12:08 am while the third child, a female who weighed 2.1kg was delivered by 12:09 am.

Dr. Sanwo-Olu said welcoming newborns is a symbolic and significant event that brings forth the assurance that human heritage is carried on to the next generation.

She said: “The gift of a new baby is a priceless one from God Almighty and as with a lot of cultures, across the world, the birth of a child brings good fortune to society. We are here today not just to celebrate new life but also to seek opportunities to make a difference in the lives of the people who need our assistance. Bearing in mind always that our show of love, kindness and compassion is only an extension of gratitude to our maker for the same grace granted to us”.

While noting that the Lagos State Government, through the Health Ministry, has continued to deliver its mandate of providing qualitative and efficient health care services to all residents in the State, the First Lady disclosed that the State Government has over the years strengthened its Maternal and Child Health policies and programmes to reduce maternal, child and infant mortality.

She noted the implementation of the Maternal and Child Health policies, strategies and programmes is evident with the improved maternal and child health indices being recorded in the State, adding that the upgrading and construction of new Maternal and Child Care (MCC) facilities towards the provision of accessible and affordable mother and child services, is geared towards reducing the high morbidity and mortality among women and under-five children in the State.

“I wish to commend the health family for the continuing infrastructural upgrade; provision of relevant equipment, positive attitudinal change in our workers, and human capacity development, all leading to some measure of efficiency and effectiveness in service delivery and enhanced customer satisfaction. I also wish to acknowledge the efforts of the Hospital Management in the provision of a conducive and serene environment for the delivery of healthcare services in these hospitals”, Dr. Sanwo-Olu said.

While congratulating the parents of the newly born, the First Lady commended all philanthropists, corporate bodies, Non-governmental organisations and civil society groups involved in any form of partnership towards complementing the vision and efforts of the State Government in the health sector.

She said: “I will implore and encourage others out there to come on board to join the State Government as there are more services and projects available for adoption and support. As we are excited that your bundles of joy have finally arrived safe and sound, I once again, congratulate the parents of these babies. I pray that the newborns are blessed with good health and long life to grow up to become useful citizens who will make our dear state and country proud in the future”.

Earlier in his remarks, the Commissioner for Health, Professor Akin Abayomi, appreciated the wife of the Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs.) Claudiana Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu for sustaining the annual First Baby of the Year event, stating that the State Government has been very supportive and committed to the welfare and wellbeing of mothers and children, especially with regards to quality, efficient and accessible health service delivery in Lagos State.

Abayomi explained further that the present administration under the leadership of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu remains committed to the reduction of maternal and child mortality, adding that available statistics have shown that the maternal and child health indices in Lagos are improving.

His words, “It is quite obvious and imperative to state that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, is committed to the reduction of maternal, neonatal and child morbidity and mortality rate”.

“This event is one of the special events through which the Lagos State Government is showing commitment and support to the wellbeing of mothers and children and I am proud of the Lagos State Health family for doing wonderfully well in providing quality healthcare service delivery to the populace”, the Commissioner said.

He, however, urged all residents to get enrolled in the Lagos Health Insurance Scheme popularly called Ilera Eko for access to quality and efficient healthcare services, adding that the residents can get enrolled at the health insurance desk in all General Hospitals and Flagship Primary Health Care Centres across the state.

Also speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health, Dr. Olusegun Ogboye, assured that the Lagos State Government will not relent in putting in place policies and strategies geared towards the development of health care services in line with best practices around the world.

Dr. Ogboye, however, urged all traditional and community leaders in Lagos to work with the management and staff of the public health facilities for the protection of the health personnel and health infrastructure in their communities from attack whenever there is a problem in the society.