The wife of Ondo State Governor, Arabinrin Betty Anyanwu- Akeredolu on Wednesday, 13th October, 2021 officially launched the Accelerated Maternal and Child Survival Project also known as Solayo Vanguard as part of efforts to increase safe delivery of pregnant women and encourage utilization of health care services in Ondo State.
At the event which took place on the grounds of the Government House, Alagbaka, Akure in partnership with Ondo State Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Akeredolu said her passion is fuelled by the fact that women and children who represent the vulnerable group bear the brunt of poor socio-economic system and as such must be protected towards saving more lives.
Mrs. Akeredolu who said the goal is to ensure that no woman dies from pregnancy related complications noted that Solayo Vanguard, a group of enlightened community health influencers who will work in various communities to give the right information that are evidence base to pregnant women – as footsoldier must bridge family planning unmet needs and attain high immunization level across the state.
While expressing worry that only 43% of pregnant women get attended to by skilled health workers, Mrs. Akeredolu charged women to take advantage of life saving services provided through the initiative to stay alive.
In her goodwill message, Pharm Folukemi Aladenola, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health while applauding Mrs. Akeredolu for taking steps to ensure that women no longer die needlessly because of pregnancy, assured her of the commitment of the ministry towards attaining good health for Ondo State people.
While also congratulating the people of the state on the launch of Solayo Vanguard, Pharm. Aladenola charged women to take advantage of the initiative for accelerated maternal and child survival in the state.
Also speaking, Dr. Ikuomola from Hospital Management Board (HMB) charged the people to take advantage of all health services at their disposal saying not much can be achieved if awareness is not well created among the men.
Dr. Ikuomola who said the initiative is laudable assured of the support of HMB towards the success of the programme.
The highpoint of the event was the official launch of the Solayo Vanguard and as well presentation of Solayo kits to pregnant women.
Speaking on behalf of pregnant women in Ondo State, Mrs. Adewunmi Akinuoye, thanked Mrs. Akeredolu for the gesture saying it will go a long way in helping them meet their health need at the point of delivery.
Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. Francis Akanbiemu said the initiative aims to improve utilization of family planning, antenatal care services and immunization through provision of birth kits across the 18 LGAs to pregnant women while also encouraging improved utilization of ante natal services, family planning through trained Community Health Influencers among others.
Dr. Akanbiemu while commending Mrs. Akeredolu for initiating the programme expressed optimism that it will go a long in improving the health sector in Ondo State.
Ondo State currently has a total of 400 Solayo Vanguard who are expected to work across different communities in the state.
