By Patrick Titus, Uyo
No fewer than 200 nursing mothers and pregnant women have benefited from the Ibom Open Maternity IOM Medical Missions in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The gusture was organised by Carelife Character Foundation in partnership with the Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, with support from the Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All, GIFA and other partners.
The IOM project is a community-based maternal and child healthcare initiative aimed at improving access to essential healthcare services and strengthening maternal and child healthcare across Akwa Ibom State.
Addressing the participants at Primary Healthcare Operational Base, Nung Udoe, the team lead of GIFA, Pastor Anne Abraham, urged expectant and nursing mothers to prioritise proper antenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding and other essential healthcare practices for their wellbeing and those of their babies.
Pastor Abraham emphasised that exclusive breastfeeding, and other related components targeted at improved maternal and child healthcare, as well as support for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
She added that the initiative was of the the core of what GIFA does through her Maternal and Child Healthcare thematic area, towards enhancing the lives of families across Akwa Ibom State.
The wife of the Chairman of Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Council, Mrs Glory Inyang, harped on the critical role that breastfeeding plays in giving children a healthy start in life.
She encouraging families to create a culture where mothers are supported rather than isolated, and empowered rather than overwhelmed by the very beneficial act of breastfeeding.
She reminded the beneficiaries that breastfeeding provides infants with essential nutrients, protects them against infections, and supports healthy growth and development, while also strengthening the beautiful emotional bond between mothers and their children.
Other speakers at the event, who included the Director of Health, Mrs. Lovina Ibiok applauded the IOM project noted that it would address the healthcare needs of mothers in rural communities.
The event commenced with the provision of free healthcare services, including medical examinations, laboratory tests, and professional counselling, alongside free enrollment into the Akwa Ibom State Health Insurance Scheme by officials of the State Health Insurance Agency.
Some participants also received GIFA PatCare packs and gift items, and other packages from the Local Government Council Chairman’s wife with the support of her husband, as part of efforts to provide relief and support to beneficiaries.
