Corps member distributes care kits to Abuja pregnant women in medical outreach

Halimat Jimoh, a corps member, has asked families to play stronger roles in supporting women during pregnancy.

Jimoh, who serves with the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in Abuja, said maternal health care requires family involvement, “especially for first-time mothers.”

Jimoh, the chief executive at Midwife Next Door Foundation, spoke during an outreach themed “MamaSafe Initiative” at the primary health care centre in Lugbe.

At least 50 expectant women received clean birth kits, medical checks, and support under the initiative led by Jimoh’s foundation.

Their husbands also participated in the programme, describing the effort as timely given the rising cost of living.

In a statement, Jimoh said the project was her personal contribution to society as a professional midwife.

“Last Wednesday, when my team staged the outreach, the idea was to help as many expectant mums as possible to stay healthy,” she said.

“We worked in partnership with the health centre, and it was a success. We simply wanted to contribute our quota to the immediate community.

“Anyone carrying a life is in a critical state and requires extra monitoring to ensure both mother and child are safe. Family support during pregnancy is crucial.”

The MamaSafe initiative, she explained, had three components: distribution of clean birth kits, provision of an emergency maternal care kit to the clinic, and the launch of a digital health support group.

“The clean-birth kits contained items such as maternity pads, gloves, diapers, and cord clamps,” she said.

“Our goal is to reduce infection and complications during childbirth.”

A session on recognising danger signs during pregnancy and childbirth was also facilitated by Cecilia Samuel, a maternal health educator.

Jimoh said participants were able to ask questions and share concerns during the session.

“We didn’t just do the talking, we gave women opportunities to express their worries and learn practical steps for safer pregnancies,” she added.

Despite still serving as a corps member, Jimoh, who trained as a midwife, said she was determined to make an impact.

“Service to humanity should not wait for tomorrow. It begins with what we can do today,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, a husband who accompanied his wife praised the initiative.

“Fathers also carry a lot of stress during this time, and this initiative is a support for us as well,” he said.