National health fellow sensitises women on maternal health in Osun community

Abdullahi Olasupo, a national health fellow serving in Orolu LGA of Osun state, has organised a maternal health sensitisation and support programme for women in Ifon-Osun community.

The programme, which was held in collaboration with the Araromi Primary Health Centre (PHC), sought to raise awareness about maternal health issues and promote better health outcomes for mothers in the community.

Declaring the programme open, Elizabeth Ojo, officer-in-charge of the PHC, lauded the initiative, describing it as a timely intervention for women in the community.

She commended Olasupo for choosing Araromi as the focus of his capstone project, noting that such efforts contribute to improving grassroots health outcomes.

Ojo stressed the importance of nutrition and hygiene for pregnant women. She also debunked some harmful myths associated with pregnancy, including discouraging pregnant women from avoiding eggs.
Health professionals who spoke at the programme urged pregnant women and nursing mothers to prioritise their health before, during and after childbirth.

Idayat Raji, who spoke on safe motherhood and child care, highlighted safety measures women must take during pregnancy and nursing.

On her part, Deborah Eluwole, who addressed the topic ‘Antenatal and Postnatal Care Awareness’, emphasised the importance of regular medical checks for mothers.

In his address, Olasupo urged women to make regular use of health facilities for antenatal and postnatal care. He also stressed the need for collaborative efforts to improve maternal and child health conditions, especially in grassroots communities.

He disclosed that while he had initially planned a larger-scale project with multiple free medical tests, limited funding did not allow him to do that, adding that he personally financed the programme as his contribution to the community.

As part of the outreach, free health screenings, including blood pressure and temperature checks, were conducted for 56 women. Those with abnormal readings were referred to the Araromi PHC for follow-up treatment.

To further strengthen healthcare delivery at the facility, Olasupo donated medical supplies to the PHC, including a digital sphygmomanometer, an infrared thermometer, packs of syringes and stationery.

In her remarks, Adeola Olaniyi, secretary of Orolu Local Government Health Authority, appreciated the fellow’s intervention, describing the programme as a significant contribution to maternal and child health in the community and the local government at large.

The federal government, through the ministry of health and social welfare, launched the National Health Fellows Programme early this year as part of its commitment to drive meaningful change with innovation in the nation’s health sector.

Under the initiative supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), young professionals are deployed to all 774 LGAs of the country to enhance health service delivery, improve policy coordination and foster community engagement.