SRHIN AFRICA Website
News
14th November 2024
At Slum and Rural Health Initiative (SRHIN), we are deeply committed to improving maternal health in Nigeria, particularly in underserved communities. The maternal mortality rate in Nigeria remains one of the highest in the world, with thousands of women at risk due to limited access to quality healthcare, poor hygiene, and lack of education around prenatal care. With our ongoing BetaMamaPikin project, we are determined to change the narrative by educating women, distributing essential hygiene and prenatal kits, and providing support to reduce the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
The State of Mental Health in Nigeria
Maternal health remains a major public health challenge in Nigeria. According to global health reports, Nigeria contributes to a significant portion of global maternal deaths, with an estimated 512 deaths per 100,000 live births. While this is a complex issue influenced by factors such as poverty, insufficient healthcare infrastructure, and cultural barriers, we believe that tackling maternal health at the grassroots level through education and accessible resources is key to turning the tide.
In rural and slum areas, women often lack basic prenatal care, and healthcare facilities may be located far from their homes, making regular visits difficult.
Additionally, access to essential hygiene products and postnatal care is limited. At SRHIN, we understand that every mother deserves the chance to give birth safely, and every newborn deserves a healthy start in life. Our mission is to reduce maternal health risks and improve the overall wellbeing of women by addressing these challenges head-on.
Educating Women to Empower Commmunities
Education is at the heart of our strategy to improve maternal health in Nigeria. Over the two months, SRHIN has reached about 1,000 women across 10 communities in Nigeria through tailored educational programs focused on maternal health. These programs cover crucial topics such as the importance of regular antenatal visits, safe delivery practices, proper nutrition, and hygiene during pregnancy.
We believe that empowering women with knowledge is one of the most effective ways to improve health outcomes. By teaching women about common pregnancy complications such as high blood pressure, infections, and excessive bleeding, we help them recognize the warning signs and seek timely medical attention. We also provide practical tips on how to manage their health and wellbeing during pregnancy, which can make all the difference in ensuring a safe birth for both mother and child.
Our sessions are led by trained health educators who are familiar with the unique challenges faced by women in these communities. We use culturally appropriate materials and language to ensure that the information is accessible and relevant to the women we serve. These educational workshops also encourage discussions around family planning, postnatal care, and mental health during pregnancy, ensuring a holistic approach to maternal health.
Distributing Hygiene and Prenatal Kits
In addition to education, SRHIN has also distributed about 500 hygiene and prenatal kits to women in need. These kits contain essential items that are often unavailable or unaffordable in rural and slum areas, such as clean delivery materials, baby diaper, baby wipes, sponge, soap, towel, and water bottle to help them stay hydrated. These basic necessities are critical for maintaining hygiene during pregnancy and childbirth, reducing the risk of infections, and ensuring the overall health of both mothers and babies.
For many women in these communities, these kits represent more than just hygiene products – they symbolize care, support, and access to the tools needed for a safe and healthy pregnancy. We work closely with local health workers and volunteers to ensure that these kits are distributed to the women who need them most, prioritizing those with the greatest vulnerabilities.
At Slum and Rural Health Initiative, we are more than just an organization, we are a community of passionate individuals who believe in the power of education, resources, and support to transform lives. Through our work in rural and slum areas, we are actively reducing the risks associated with maternal health, ensuring that women have access to the knowledge and tools they need to navigate pregnancy with confidence.
As we continue to expand our reach, we remain focused on our goal of reducing maternal mortality in Nigeria and improving the lives of women and children. Our work is far from over, but with every community we educate and every kit we distribute, we are making a real impact.
We believe that no woman should face pregnancy without the care and support she deserves. By continuing to educate, provide resources, and support women in need, we are taking tangible steps toward a healthier future for mothers and babies across Nigeria.
Join us in our mission. Your support can help us reach more women, distribute more kits, and continue to educate communities on the importance of maternal health. Together, we can make a difference.