May 6, 2008 - Grand Finale Of The First Round Of The Child Health Week
I am pleased and very delighted to be here today as we gather to celebrate our children, the precious gifts of God, at this grand finale of the first round of the 2008 Child Health Week.
The adoption of this programme and its sustenance since 2003 when the first edition was organised is a clear demonstration of the commitment of the State Government to the survival and healthy growth of every child in the State.
The theme for this 7th edition of Child Health Week “A Healthy Child, A Brighter Rewarding Future” is a statement of fact. A healthy child is the pride of the parent and the nation because when a child is healthy, he or she stands a better chance of achieving his or her full potentials.
Good health however does not just happen. We can achieve this through our lifestyle, personal hygiene, knowing the basic steps to take in order to protect oneself against preventable diseases and inform ourselves on where to receive appropriate health care services when needed.
The essence and objective of the Child Health Week is to raise the awareness level of parents, care givers and the whole community on prevention, cure and promotion of health services available in the various Primary Health Care facilities and the Community Health Departments of all General Hospitals in the State.
Please note that the Primary Health Care facilities and Community Health Department at all General Hospitals in the State apart from ante natal for pregnant women and routine immunizations for babies can also attend to preventable disease conditions and minor ailments such as constipation, diarrhoea, sore throat, headache etc.
This programme has recorded lots of success over the years, which is very encouraging and I would like to thank and encourage everyone that is directly involved in this programme to put in more effort so that we can achieve greater success.
I want to commend all mothers present for the good care you have given your children. My prayer is that God almighty will grant you all good health and long life to reap the fruits of your labour.
I congratulate the winner of the maiden award of “Outstanding Father”. This award is in recognition of the role fathers play in ensuring the good health and well being of the family. It is also a way of urging all fathers to come on board and give their full support to this programme.
I congratulate in advance the Child Health Week Prince and Princess. I commend the proud parents for the excellent job they have done in keeping their children in good health. God bless you.
Finally, I applaud the leadership and staff of the Ministry of health and everyone that has contributed to the success of this weeklong programme.
I thank you for your kind attention. God bless you all.
Her Excellency
Mrs. Abimbola Fashola
First Lady of Lagos State