Foundation partners Delta State NYSC on maternal health

In a bid to preserve the maternal health through information dissemination and awareness creation, The Ark foundation, a front-line non – governmental organisation is spearheading the campaign to curtail maternal mortality in Nigeria.

Public Relations officer of the Foundation, Mr. Shadrack Ashionyedue, made the call at the stakeholders meeting tagged “Delta State community outreach”, in partnership with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Medical team.

He said the aim of the partnership is to educate, sensitizes people on how to reduce maternal mortality across the states and local Government. The foundation has embarked on several enlightenment medical health programme reduce maternal deaths, and sufferings in the past.

The outreach was held at Effurun in Uwie community, in Delta state and was attended by over 250 adults who benefited from the free medical consultation and drug administration, dispensed by the NYSC Med team. Among the dignitaries present were: Hon. Efe Okoleda (chairman Effurun community development committee), Comrade Lawrence Egbara (chairman Urhumarho community), Mr. Okun Wellington (NYSC Local government inspector), Mr Johnson Ainako (AD CDS NYSC Delta state), Mrs lfeoma Emekeoma (NYSC Desk officer Delta state) and Community leaders / NYSC officials

Mr. Shadrack reiterated that “Nigeria is the second worst hit in maternal mortality; we want every woman of reproductive age with pregnancy to come out alive with her child”. These require a collective effort of all stakeholders to combat the menace. He disclosed that from findings survey and research revealed that the people are less aware of the Maternal Mortality scourge.

He urged the government, Agencies, and private organisations to support the course, or collaborate with the Ark Foundation to reach more women and with knowledge on pre and postnatal issues, direct and indirect causes of maternal mortality. According to him, “In the past 2 years, the foundation has enlightened and empowered over 3000 women, families and 150 students on “Maternal issues and challenges before and after Pregnancy”.

Some of the activities carried out during outreach programs includes: medical symposium, Questions and Answers sections, tests for high blood pressure, blood sugar, HB, Malaria etc and free maternal consultation/treatment and welfare in the rural community.

Mr Johnson Ainako (Assistant Director CDS NYSC Delta State), who spoke on behalf of the NYSC Delta state, lauded the effort of the partnership and collaboration with foundation and urged the Government and private organisations to invest conscious more towards total elimination of Maternal mortality with focus on the rural part of Nigeria.