Lagos: The Steer for Change Mother and Newborn Foundation, a non-governmental organization, has extended essential healthcare and support to 100 women and nursing mothers in the Ijedodo area of Lagos. The initiative is aimed at promoting the health and well-being of vulnerable pregnant women in underserved areas.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, the Founder of the NGO, Mrs. Kikelomo Adisa, explained during the outreach event that the program is designed to sensitize women on measures to adopt during and after pregnancy. This effort is intended to ensure safe delivery and reduce the rates of infant and maternal deaths. Among the items distributed during the program were birth kits for pregnant women, baby-care products for new mothers, mosquito nets to prevent malaria, and various food items including rice, groundnut oil, clothing, and cereals for babies over six months old.
Mrs. Adisa emphasized that the main objective of the program is to reduce maternal and infant mortality by supporting vulnerable pregnant women and nursing mothers living in underserved communities. She noted that many women in these areas have limited or no access to healthcare, which prompted the foundation to regularly visit such communities to provide health services, monitor pregnancies, and ensure the general well-being of the women. Beneficiaries were also educated on appropriate practices during pregnancy to ensure safe delivery.
The NGO, established in 2019, has reportedly provided support to over 6,000 women across 20 communities through various programs. Mrs. Adisa expressed her gratitude to the organization’s donors, particularly the Georges Memorial Medical Centre, for its continued partnership. Other programs of the foundation include women empowerment, nutrition intervention, and payment of hospital bills for pregnant women who cannot afford delivery expenses.
Mrs. Adisa urged the government to implement necessary measures to reduce infant and maternal death rates in the country by ensuring unhindered access to healthcare. She also called for continuous training and engagement with birth attendants, highlighting their role as the first point of contact for pregnant women in underserved communities.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that beneficiaries were enlightened on the importance of antenatal and postnatal visits, as well as hygiene during and after pregnancy to prevent infections. They were also screened for high blood pressure, sugar levels, and received counseling among other services.