Maternal Mortality: NGO Fetes 3,000 Pregnant Akwa Ibom Women

To stem the growing incidences of maternal deaths, a non governmental organisation (NGO), HACEY, in conjunction with Acce Corporation, has donated birthing kits to no fewer than 3,000 pregnant and nursing mothers in Akwa Ibom State, who were also engaged in counseling sessions on the importance of imbibing measures to safeguard against maternal deaths.

Addressing the first set of beneficiaries at the West Itam Primary Health Centre (PHC) in Itu local government area at the weekend, the state coordinator of the scheme code – named, Project Agbebi, Mr James Ubon, explained that the programme aimed at sensitising pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers to adhere strictly to safety and sanitary standards during the pre – natal and post – natal periods.

According to him, the ongoing exercise which is expected to cover 10 health centres in the state became necessary given cases of avoidable deaths of pregnant women due to ignorance of some risk factors during pregnancy and the delivery periods.

He said: “The maternal mortality rate is a crucial indicator of a country’s quality healthcare system and the well-being of its women.

“To address these critical challenges and the key factors contributing to maternal mortality, as well as to improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria, HACEY developed ‘The project Agbebi program to improve maternal health outcomes by implementing a human-centered, system-focused intervention.

“The project primarily focuses on improving access to safe and essential birthing kits, educating women on health and finance to encourage greater utilization of healthcare services, and fostering communal support for pregnant women, ultimately leading to sustainable positive outcomes.