To curb maternal mortality, Jose Foundation UK, in collaboration with the office of the First Lady of Kwara State, has distributed about 1,600 delivery kits to women in the state.
President of the foundation, Dr Martins Abhulimhen, stated, on Sunday, that the intervention was a strategic one to reduce maternal mortality in the country.
Jose Foundation is a United Kingdom-registered international organisation.
The distribution ceremony, which took place at the Government House, Ilorin, was part of the partnership between Jose Foundation and Kwara governor’s wife, Prof Olufolake AbdulRazaq.
Some of the kits distributed included: antiseptic soap, disinfectant, plastic padded sheet, sterile cord clamp, sterile gloves, sanitary pads and sterile cotton wool.
Abhulimhen, represented by Dr Eyitayo Adunmo at the event, said the intervention became necessary as maternal mortality rate in Nigeria soared high on global ranking, adding that a key risk point, which contributes to the deficiencies, occurs at the birth delivery phase.
“It is estimated that 70 per cent of deliveries happen under substandard conditions. A key challenge is the unavailability of delivery kits deployed at the point of delivery. It is critical, therefore, that a programme that addresses this apparently small but important link to health for women of child-bearing age be promoted and enhanced.
“Jose Foundation has developed an intervention that will promote the widespread production and distribution of these materials to mitigate the scourge,” he said.
The Kwara First Lady and founder, Ajike People Support Centre, Prof AbdulRazaq, said access to clean and hygienic delivery materials is a fundamental right of every expectant mother.
Represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Amina El-Imam, she enumerated various impactful health interventions through Ajike People Support Centre, explaining that the delivery kits would contribute positively to reduction in infant and maternal mortality rate, as well as ensuring healthy mother and child.
