Maternal Mortality: Foundation donates supplements to Lagos state

On Dec 10, 2024

The non-governmental organisation, Azuka and Ify Ubani Foundation, has donated Multiple Micronutrient Supplements (MMS) to the Lagos State Ministry of Health to support 3,000 pregnant women and nursing mothers.

The donation, in collaboration with Well Eagle Health Services, is to improve maternal health outcomes.

Speaking during the presentation on Monday, Dr Victor Ubani, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the foundation, said the initiative aims to reduce infant and maternal mortality rates in the state.

“It is hard enough for women to carry their babies for nine months, delivering healthy babies can also be difficult.

“That is why we are supporting the efforts of the government because we want healthy babies,” he said.

Ubani, also the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisation, urged the government to create an enabling environment that encourages Nigerians abroad to return and contribute to society.

He also charged Nigerians abroad not to neglect their country but help to contribute towards the development of the nation and its people.

Receiving the items on behalf of the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Folashade Oludara, the Director of Family Health and Nutrition, expressed gratitude for the timely donation, noting that the ministry had recently exhausted its stock of the supplement.

Oludara said that the MMS was proven to be an effective supplement in improving anaemia in pregnant women and nursing mothers.

She lauded the foundation for its support towards the government’s health initiatives, adding that the ministry would ensure proper distribution and accountability.

She said that the supplement would be distributed free of charge to 3,000 pregnant women through the local governments.

She also said that the state government was working to improve the health of residents by partnering with Nigerian-led international organisations.

“On behalf of the Lagos State Government, we are happy to receive the MMS containing 180 tablets which can be used for 6 months.

“We assure you that it would be utilised for the right purpose by making sure we distribute effectively and show the evidence.

“We have the best supply chain system when it comes to receiving medical items and a well trained staff to ensure that everything is accounted for and not to be sold,” she said.

She also called on compassionate Nigerians, both at home and abroad, to initiate and support more efforts to assist vulnerable groups.

On her part, Dr Ify Ubani, co-founder of the foundation and a midwife, said the initiative stemmed from her passion for pregnant women, considering the challenges they face during and after childbirth.

“Women go through a lot when they are pregnant, so it is imperative that we show extra care and support for them.

“I also implore all men to support and pamper their wives throughout the pregnancy and after birth because nine months is a long time,” she said.

The multiple micronutrient supplement (MMS) based on the United Nations International Multiple Micronutrient Antenatal Preparation (UNIMMAP) is a specific formulation of the supplement commonly known as prenatal vitamins and minerals.

NAN/Wumi