Women’s Advocacy Group Promotes Health Care For Mothers In Bayelsa

From Rhoda Godwin in Yenagoa*

As part of efforts to improve women’s health and social welfare, the Women Organised for Mentorship and Advocacy Network, in collaboration with the Eunice Nnachi Women Advocacy Foundation (ENWAF) and other partners, held an outreach in the Igbogene Community over the weekend.

The event brought together various stakeholders, including representatives from the Primary Health Care Board, Kiosate Boy Child Foundation, Health and Care for the Vulnerable Initiative, the National Agency for the Prohibition of
Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and SERIC will address a variety of health issues, including yellow fever, cholera, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, menstrual hygiene, exclusive breastfeeding, food and nutrition immunisation, Gender Based Violence, and Human Trafficking.

Lady Eunice Nnachi, Executive Director of WOMAN, stated in her opening remarks that the mission of the outreach was to foster a sense of community empowerment and collaboration among various stakeholders.

Nnachi stated that by addressing pressing health and social issues, the initiative represents a critical step towards improving the overall well-being of the community’s women.

She thanked the community’s female leader as well as all of the other women and young girls who attended the event.

Mrs Rose Okpara, a nutrition specialist from the State Primary Health Care Board, who informed the women about the health and economic benefits of exclusive breastfeeding, stated that children who are well breastfed are strong and healthy.

Lady Stella Doumu, Chief Executive Officer of the Kiosate Boy Child Foundation, emphasised the importance of hand hygiene and urged women to wash their hands regularly at home.

In addition, a NAPTIP representative who raised awareness of human trafficking warned women about the dangers posed by traffickers who may disguise their intentions as opportunities for better living conditions abroad.

Mrs Elizabeth Vincent, an ENWAF representative who educated women on menstrual hygiene, emphasised the importance of self-care during menstruation to avoid infections and body odour.

Chief Mrs Susan Osain, the Woman Leader of the Igbogene Community, expressed gratitude to WOMAN and all of the partners for their dedication to the welfare of Igbogene women.

She prayed to God for continued blessings on all WOMAN members, as well as the strength to increase the organization’s involvement in humanitarian services.

She also urged the government and relevant authorities to assist WOMAN and other non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in carrying out effective community engagements.

The event’s high point was the distribution of household items and sanitary products to the young girls and women in attendance.