More than 200 nursing mothers and pregnant women have benefited from the Ibom Open Maternity (IOM), Medical Missions in Ibesikpo Asutan Local Government Area.
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 .
Addressing the participants at the venue for the exercise, the Primary Healthcare Operational Base, Nung Udoe, Ibesikpo Asutan ,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.
She explained that exclusive breastfeeding, and other related components targeted at improved maternal and child healthcare, as well as support for pregnant women and nursing mothers, were at the core of what GIFA does through her Maternal and Child Healthcare thematic area, towards enhancing the lives of families across Akwa Ibom .
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 encouraged families to create a culture where mothers are supported rather than isolated, and empowered rather than overwhelmed by the very beneficial act of breastfeeding.
Inyang 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.
Goodwill messages were received from the vice chairman of the Council, Mrs. Goodness Obot, and the director of health, Mrs. Lovina Ibiok, who both applauded the IOM project which they noted 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.
In the GIFA team were the programmes officer, Mrs Edidiong Inyang, Mr Victor Preachers, Mr Owoh Etukudo and others.