UNICEF Nigeria planned activities with Religious Communities

UNICEF Nigeria is planning maternal and child health related activities with the President of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs and the President of the Christian Association, who jointly lead the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council (NIREC).  Other organizations involved include the Federal Ministry of Health, Federal Ministry of Information and Communications and the National Orientation Agency.   Planned activities include:

1. Friday Prayers in Mosques throughout the country on 19 November as well as in Churches on Sunday 21 November for the survival and development of children under 5 years and the reduction of maternal mortality. Imams and Christian clergy will deliver sermons on the importance and benefits of Exclusive Breastfeeding.
2. Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH) Partners Review Meeting and Concert of Parental Songs for Child Survival in Abuja, on Saturday, 20 November, promoting benefits of Exclusive Breast-feeding, Use of Insecticide Treated Bednets, Hand washing, Routine Immunization and Attendance at Ante Natal Clinics. This will feature songs from Best Local Government Teams and Community Health workers from Katsina, Jigawa, Oyo and Rivers States.
3. Muslim and Christian leaders will mobilize parents and guardians to take their children for free Health Services during the MNCH Week, from 20 – 24 November in the South, and from 27 November to 01 December in the North.