In view of high prevalence of maternal mortality in Sub-saharan Africa, the Osun State government, in partnership with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on Monday kicked off distribution of 12,500 pregnancy kits for pregnant women who are economically disadvantaged.
The programme, which was tagged “MAMA Kits” was personally coordinated by Governor Rauf Aregebsola, alongside scores of his cabinet members.
According to the Governor, the packaged kits contain “critical items required for safe delivery”, adding that there was a provision for more in all state-owned health facilities across the state.
Aregbesola reiterated his government’s commitment to safe delivery and efforts to stem the tide of maternal mortality in the state.
He added that the programme was supported by Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in collaboration with an NGO.
According to him “this gesture is to encourage expectant mothers to deliver their babies at health facility rather than homes and unhygienic means.
”The delivery packs would be provided for women mostly at rural areas. It contain one-meter piece of cotton cloth (baby wrapper), one laundry soap, a pair of gloves, and a piece of cotton wool.”
”Also, small gauze, cord ligature, razor blade and a meter of polythene sheet which is used on the delivery table and a methylated spirit with sanitary pads for the mother”, Aregbesola said.
He commended the Federal Government, through the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), for providing 70 percent (10,000) of the kits,.
Earlier in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, advised pregnant women to be conscious of their safety and access the free kits.
He also canvassed for supports from local and international donors towards the quest against maternal mortality.
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