Bolanle Ambode, the wife of Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has welcomed the first babies born in the state in 2019.
The babies – a male and a female – were born at the Lagos Island Maternity, weighing 3.7kg and 2.8kg at 12.00a.m. and 12.01a.m. respectively.
Mrs Ambode who visited the hospitals to share the joy of the new births with the families, advised pregnant women to patronise government health facilities for deliveries.
At the General Hospital, Somolu, a male child was also born at 1.47 am, weighing 3kg and two females at the Randle General Hospital, Surulere, at 1.58a.m. and 4a.m., weighing 2kg and 2.7kg respectively.
Ambode said that the huge government expenditure on infant and maternal health infrastructure, could only be justified by commensurate use of the modern facilities, by the women, their babies and children.
She noted that government’s efforts in stemming maternal and infant mortality would be slow if expectant mothers did not go to the centres to use the facilities.
“I wish to note that the state government has continued to strengthen the health sector with the provision of neonatal care units, equipment and resources to our state hospitals, to enhance the quality of maternal and child care services in our state,” she said.
Ambode also appealed to mothers to ensure they completed the full course of immunisation for their children to prevent childhood killer diseases.
“In addition, parents must avoid the use of contaminated water, and poor sanitation, as they contribute to childhood mortality,” she said.
The state Commissioner for Health, Jide Idris, said with the implementation of the Lagos State Health Scheme, more residents would have access to improved health services.
Mr Idris added that this would reduce neonatal and infant mortality and ensure safe motherhood.
