The Ogun State Government has reiterated its resolve to sustain advocacy against child abuse, reaffirming its commitment to bring to book anyone found culpable of such devious acts.
The Secretary to the Ogun State Government, Mr. Olatokunbo Talabi, made the declaration on Monday when he received the Executive Council of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria in his office at Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta.
Talabi stated that the administration had taken a firm stand against all forms of abuse, especially against children, and was determined from inception to stem the tide by going after perpetrators to rid society of such menace.
He revealed that part of the measures put in place included ensuring effective and affordable maternal and child care through the introduction of a comprehensive insurance package that has provided efficient health care services for mothers and children before and after delivery, without out-of-pocket expenses.
He added that the government would, however, welcome any other progressive initiatives that would assist in improving child care in the state without prejudice.
Speaking earlier, the President of the Paediatric Association of Nigeria, Prof. Ekanem Ekute, commended the state government’s efforts in maternal care, stressing that children and adolescents constitute the greater part of the country’s population and, as such, remain the nation’s assets.
He stated that their health and well-being must be prioritised, while expressing concern over children who had never been vaccinated.
The Paediatric Association’s president noted that low immunisation coverage, poor access to water, and other environmental issues have led to persistently poor outcomes for children, urging governments at all levels to prioritise child immunisation and care.
Meanwhile, he advocated increased funding through improved budgets for children to ensure effective immunisation and logistics systems, a functional primary healthcare system, digital health technology, a comprehensive health insurance package for children under five, and protection against all forms of abuse.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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