More than 450 pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers in Ika Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have received maternal health education, breastfeeding support and care packs as the Ibom Open Maternity Project expands its grassroots reach.
The beneficiaries, comprising more than 200 pregnant women and over 250 breastfeeding mothers with children aged between zero and two years, participated in an outreach at Urua Inyang Primary Health Centre, Ika.
The programme was organised by the Office of the First Lady through the Golden Initiative For All, GIFA, in collaboration with Carelife Foundation and Ika Local Government Council.
Speaking during the outreach, the Executive Chairman of Ika Local Government Council, Hon. Utibe Nwoko, pledged the council’s support for the Ibom Open Maternity Project and commended the state government, Office of the First Lady, Ministry of Health and GIFA for prioritising maternal and child healthcare.
Hon. Nwoko described the initiative as a laudable intervention, saying the impressive turnout demonstrated the people’s acceptance of programmes designed to improve their welfare.
He assured that Ika Local Government would continue to complement state government efforts, particularly interventions targeted at women and children.
Also speaking, the Team Lead of GIFA, Pastor Ann Abraham, said the organisation’s participation reflected its commitment to promoting maternal and child health.
Pastor Abraham urged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of a child’s life, noting its importance to children’s growth, development and wellbeing.
She explained that the PatCare kits were provided to ease some of the practical challenges women face during pregnancy and early motherhood, while appreciating the First Lady, Lady Helen Eno Obareki, Carelife Foundation and Ika Local Government Council for their support.
In her welcome address, the wife of the Executive Chairman, Mrs Idongesit Utibe Nwoko, stressed the need for mothers to have access to quality healthcare, encouragement and reliable information to make informed decisions about breastfeeding and child wellbeing.
Mrs Nwoko also urged mothers to prioritise their own health, noting that healthy mothers are essential to strong families, and called on stakeholders to move from awareness to sustained action in supporting mothers and children.
The outreach forms part of ongoing efforts under the Ibom Open Maternity Project to expand access to maternal and child health support and promote healthier families and communities across Akwa Ibom State.
