More than 4,000 pregnant women and nursing mothers in Akwa Ibom State have received free medical care through a healthcare intervention aimed at improving access to essential services for mothers and their babies.
Over 4,000 Pregnant Women, Nursing Mother Benefit From Free Medical Care In Akwa Ibom
More than 4,000 pregnant women and nursing mothers in Ibeno Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State have benefited from free medical check-ups, healthcare services and care packs under the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) project and the Golden Initiative For All (GIFA).
The intervention was organised by the Carelife Character Foundation in partnership with the Ibeno Local Government Council, with support from GIFA and other partners.
Speaking on behalf of GIFA, Press Secretary to the First Lady, Uduak Ekong, urged mothers to practise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of their babies’ lives and continue breastfeeding until the child is two years old.
She said breastfeeding provides essential nutrients that support children’s brain development and overall growth, while urging pregnant women to prioritise regular antenatal care to enable healthcare professionals monitor their health and detect possible complications early.
“Please take advantage of available healthcare services and follow the advice of medical professionals concerning proper nutrition, adequate rest, hygiene and regular health checks. These are essential to ensuring healthy pregnancies and the proper development of children,” she added.
The Chairperson of Ibeno Local Government Council, Glory Effiong, said the programme was making a meaningful difference in the lives of residents and called for support towards the renovation of dilapidated health facilities in riverine communities to improve access to healthcare.
The Team Lead and Coordinator of the Ibom Open Maternity project, Dr Aniekeme George, said the IOM project was designed to bring essential healthcare services closer to women and children, particularly those who face challenges accessing healthcare, and expressed confidence that continued support from partners would help sustain and expand the initiative.
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Akwa Ibom State House of Assembly House Committee on Health, Nutrition and Food Security, Hon. Moses Essien, commended the organisers and partners for the intervention, stressing that improving healthcare delivery requires collaboration between government and relevant stakeholders.
The Ibeno Local Government Chairman later led frontline partners in the IOM on a guided tour of the different sections of the medical mission.
The intervention is part of efforts by the Ibom Open Maternity project and its partners to improve access to maternal and child healthcare services for women and children in underserved communities across Akwa Ibom State.
