The Kwara State Government yesterday flagged off an Integrated Health Outreach Programme (Kwara I-HOP) at the Tanke Primary Health Facility in Ilorin South Local Government Area.
It also called a call on residents to take advantage of the free medical services.
The outreach, which runs from September 8 to 12, is aimed at boosting routine immunisation, antenatal care, and access to basic health checks across underserved and hard-to-reach communities in the state.
Speaking at the flag-off, the Executive Secretary of the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency (KWSPHCDA), Prof. Nusirat Elelu, described the initiative as a mission to close the gap in healthcare delivery and ensure no child or mother is left behind.
She said the state is targeting over 80 percent coverage for the third dose of the pentavalent vaccine before the end of the year.
She also urged residents to embrace preventive health practices such as regular blood pressure and blood sugar checks.
“This programme is not just another intervention; it is a mission with clear objectives which are to save lives, to strengthen demand for maternal and child healthcare, and to build healthier communities across Kwara,” Elelu said.
She commended Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq for his consistent support for the health sector, as well as development partners including the World Bank, WHO, AFENET, UNICEF, and Chigari Foundation for their technical and financial backing.
Also speaking, Dr. Atinuke Ahmed, Kwara State representative of the African Field Epidemiology Network (AFENET), pledged continuous partnership with the state in advancing primary healthcare delivery.
On her part, Dr. Oluwabunmi Ajayi, representing WHO State Coordinator, described the outreach as laudable. She assured that her organisation would work collaboratively to ensure success across all implementing centres.
The State Director of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Alhaji Dare AbdulGaniyu, advised residents to avoid self-medication and instead take advantage of the free consultations and treatments.
The Permanent Secretary, Kwara Ministry of Health, Dr. Taoheed Ayodeji Abdullahi, applauded Governor AbdulRazaq’s reforms in the health sector, citing recruitment of health workers and facility upgrades as evidence of his commitment.
Chairman of Ilorin East Local Government Area, Hon. Lukman Olayinka Garba, urged parents to present their children for vaccination to prevent avoidable diseases.
The flag-off attracted dignitaries including His Royal Highness, Dr. Haliru Yahaya, Emir of Shonga and former Chairman of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, who lauded the state’s renewed focus on primary health delivery.
The week-long outreach will provide free services such as immunisation, antenatal care, health education, and screenings for hypertension and diabetes at designated health facilities across the state.
