Anambra: HACEY, BOI distribute 300 birthing kits, train health workers - Blueprint Newspapers Limited
Spread the wordThe Health and Community Care Foundation (HACEY), in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) under its Project Agbebi initiative, has intensified efforts to improve maternal and child. . .
Spread the wordThe Health and Community Care Foundation (HACEY), in collaboration with the Bank of Industry (BOI) under its Project Agbebi initiative, has intensified efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare in Anambra State through the distribution of 300 birthing kits to pregnant women and nursing mothers as part of a comprehensive maternal health outreach programme. The two day intervention, which combined health education, capacity building for frontline health workers and the distribution of essential delivery materials, was conducted at the Model Primary Health Centre, Nkpor Uno, and the Primary Health Centre, Abor Village, Umuoji, both located in Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. Blueprint reportsOrganisers distributed 150 birthing kits at each of the healthcare facilities, while additional kits were left in the custody of health personnel to ensure that other pregnant women who could not participate in the outreach would also benefit from the intervention. Each kit contained basic delivery essentials, including soap, a sterile surgical blade and a delivery mat, aimed at promoting clean and safe childbirth practices. Promoting safe motherhoodSpeaking during the outreach, Anambra State Coordinator of HACEY, Mrs Chioma Elo-Okoye, described the initiative as part of the organisation’s broader commitment to ensuring that every woman experiences a safe pregnancy and childbirth. She explained that the programme, implemented under the Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies campaign, was designed to reduce maternal and newborn deaths by equipping expectant mothers with practical knowledge on pregnancy care, delivery preparation and postnatal health. According to her, the intervention goes beyond the distribution of birthing kits, as it focuses on empowering women with the information needed to make informed health decisions throughout pregnancy. She urged participants to register early for antenatal care, keep all clinic appointments, deliver in recognised healthcare facilities under the supervision of trained professionals and return for postnatal care after childbirth. Elo-Okoye stressed that regular antenatal visits remain one of the most effective ways of detecting pregnancy related complications early and improving the chances of safe delivery. Healthy living during pregnancyThe HACEY coordinator said the outreach also educated participants on healthy lifestyle practices capable of reducing pregnancy related complications. She advised pregnant women to maintain balanced nutrition, take only prescribed medications, get adequate rest and observe proper personal hygiene throughout pregnancy. According to her, maintaining good health before delivery contributes significantly to the wellbeing of both mother and baby. Participants were also taught practical steps for preparing for childbirth, including identifying a healthcare facility ahead of delivery, arranging reliable transportation and ensuring that family members are fully aware of the birth plan. Recognising danger signsAs part of efforts to prevent avoidable maternal deaths, facilitators highlighted critical danger signs that require immediate medical attention. These include excessive bleeding, severe headaches, swollen hands or face, convulsions, persistent fever and reduced or complete absence of foetal movement. Elo-Okoye advised women not to ignore any of these symptoms, warning that delays in seeking medical attention often increase the risk of complications during pregnancy and childbirth. nigerianews. ngShe urged expectant mothers to promptly visit the nearest health facility whenever they experience any unusual symptoms instead of relying on self medication or traditional remedies. Financial and mental preparednessThe outreach also focused on financial planning and emotional wellbeing, which organisers described as important components of safe motherhood. Participants were encouraged to begin saving early for hospital bills, transportation and emergency expenses while involving family members in preparing for childbirth. Elo-Okoye said financial readiness often determines how quickly pregnant women can access lifesaving medical care during emergencies. She further encouraged women to prioritise their mental health by discussing emotional challenges with trusted relatives, healthcare providers and women’s support groups whenever they feel overwhelmed. According to her, pregnancy can place emotional and psychological demands on women, making family support and timely counselling essential for positive maternal outcomes. Health workers receive specialised trainingBeyond supporting pregnant women, the programme also sought to strengthen maternal healthcare delivery at the grassroots by training healthcare professionals. A total of 18 healthcare workers, comprising nine personnel from each of the participating primary healthcare centres, received specialised training on modern maternal healthcare practices. The sessions featured instructional videos, practical demonstrations and role play exercises designed to improve their skills in antenatal care, safe delivery procedures and postnatal management. The organisation also established a WhatsApp support platform to connect pregnant women with trained healthcare workers for continuous health education, reminders and professional guidance throughout pregnancy. Elo-Okoye clarified that the online platform is intended to complement routine healthcare services and should not replace physical hospital visits or emergency medical treatment. Beneficiaries applaud initiativeSome beneficiaries expressed appreciation to HACEY and the Bank of Industry for bringing the intervention to their communities. They described the outreach as timely, saying the health education sessions had improved their understanding of pregnancy care, danger signs, nutrition and the importance of delivering in healthcare facilities. The women also commended the distribution of birthing kits, noting that the items would ease some of the financial burden associated with childbirth, particularly for families facing economic challenges. Health workers who participated in the training equally lauded the initiative, saying the knowledge acquired would enhance the quality of maternal and child healthcare services offered at their facilities. Commitment to reducing maternal deathsAt the end of the programme, HACEY disclosed that additional birthing kits had been left at the two health centres for distribution to other pregnant women who would subsequently visit the facilities. The organisation reiterated that Project Agbebi represents its commitment, in partnership with the Bank of Industry, to complement government efforts aimed at improving maternal healthcare, strengthening primary healthcare systems and reducing preventable maternal and neonatal deaths across Nigeria. Elo-Okoye said the ultimate goal of the intervention is to ensure that every expectant mother goes into labour safely, delivers under skilled medical supervision and returns home alive with a healthy baby, describing safe motherhood as a shared responsibility requiring sustained collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, development partners and communities. Spread the word