- Big Gift: WBFA gave N5 million to a mom of preterm twins.
- Why: To cover medical costs at KWASUTH’s NICU.
- Mama Care 360: This support is part of WBFA’s program.
- Impact: Helping moms breastfeed and improving baby health.
A Lifeline for Preemie Twins
Imagine the stress of having preterm twins! Mrs. Akewushola faced huge medical bills when her babies needed intensive care. Thankfully, the Well Being Foundation Africa stepped in to help.
WBFA’s Generous Act
On Friday, Mr. Kehinde Akinsola, the WBFA National Programme Manager, presented the cheque. This support falls under the foundation’s Mama Care 360 NICU+ program. The donation came after a request for help to treat the twins for jaundice and other issues.
Akinsola explained, “We found out the mother has Hepatitis B, and the babies couldn’t get a crucial Haemoglobin injection right away. She already had a bill of N368,000! So, we rounded up the figure to support her and bring relief to the family.”
Why This Matters
The mom isn’t able to breastfeed right now, so the babies rely on formula. This formula costs N19,000 every three days! The WBFA’s help is a game-changer for this family.
Mama Care’s Impact
Mrs. Akewushola is one of the many pregnant women who have attended WBFA’s “Mama Care programmes.” These programs teach pregnant women about what to do and not to do during pregnancy. It’s all about giving moms the knowledge they need!
Health Education and Breastfeeding Support
Mrs. Seun Bamikole, head of the NICU at KWASUTH, confirmed that the Mama Care program has been a big help. WBFA provides breast pumps and educates pregnant and nursing mothers regularly.
She added, “The breast pump helps moms produce more milk, and the foundation helps them financially. We’ve seen moms prefer breast milk to formula, and the breast pump helps them express more.”
Better Outcomes for Babies
Miss Elizabeth Ebo, WBFA Data Assistant for the NICU+ Programme, said babies in the NICU are getting discharged sooner. This is because they have access to breast milk, which wasn’t always the case before.
“The goal is to encourage moms to breastfeed. For those who struggle, we provide breast pumps. With the lessons and pumps, babies are discharged faster because they get breast milk. It’s a big win for babies and moms!” she said.
WBFA’s Long-Standing Commitment
Since 2004, WBFA has been working to improve health and well-being and push for sustainable development. They’re making a real difference in Nigeria!
Related Initiatives
WBFA is also involved in other important projects:
- Project Oscar – Light For Life: This program screens, treats, and prevents neonatal jaundice.
- Partnerships: WBFA often teams up with organizations like Reckitt to expand their impact.
The Bigger Picture: Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria
Nigeria faces significant challenges in maternal and child health. According to UNICEF, the country has a high rate of newborn deaths. Factors like inadequate healthcare access and poor nutrition contribute to these issues. Organizations like WBFA are crucial in addressing these problems.
Here’s a quick look at some key stats:
| Indicator | Statistics |
|---|---|
| Under-5 Mortality Rate | About 117 per 1,000 live births |
| Neonatal Mortality Rate | Approximately 37 per 1,000 live births |
| Maternal Mortality Ratio | Around 512 per 100,000 live births |
These numbers show the urgent need for interventions like WBFA’s Mama Care program.
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