Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode on
Wednesday urged pregnant women to complement the efforts of government at
achieving zero infant maternal mortality rate by embracing healthy and hygienic
lifestyle, just as she urged them to get proper advice and direction on basic
ante and post natal care for themselves and their infants.
Mrs. Ambode, who spoke at a programme of support for
pregnant women organized by Hope for Women In Nigeria Initiative (HOFOWEM),
which is her pet project, said often times infants are at risk of infections,
diarrhea, poor growth and many common diseases associated with un-hygienic
habits, and as such expectant mothers must make hygienic living a habit such as
simple washing of hands constantly.
Speaking at the programme tagged "Hope for Expectant
Mothers," Mrs Ambode said: "The act of washing hands is so simple yet we do not
see it as a game changing solution. They are so elementary that we frequently
forget they can save lives. Basic personal hygiene and good sanitary conduct
begins with hand-washing.
"So it is an important message to take home for the young
ones. Let them know the many benefits of that simple act. Tell them it prevents
infections, keeps them neat, keeps them healthy and happy all the time.
"Even as mothers, always wash your own hands not only when
you have visited the toilet but before cooking, serving food or attending to
your infants. This way, many unnecessary illnesses for the child or mother
would be prevented. As women, we have a key role to play in the health-for-all
aspiration of the Lagos State Government. We must play our role effectively to
help government achieve zero infant and maternal mortality rate," the Wife of
the Governor said.
Speaking on her passion for women and children, Mrs Ambode
said her vision was to transform their lives, put smiles on their faces, give
them hope and make life more meaningful for them.
"This event is significant for me as a mother, a parent and
as a Nigerian. The programme is not just about supporting good hygiene and
healthy habits during pregnancy and after delivery, but it is also about
safeguarding the future of our children right from infancy," she said.
She added that in the few years, the State had witnessed
significant reduction in maternal and child mortality rate, attributing same to
adequate ante and post natal care and the State Government’s continuous
improvement on health facilities, constant re-training of medical personnel and
provision of modern equipment including the regular supply of mosquito nets.
HOFOWEM is a foundation established with the intention of
uplifting the welfare of widows, children and aged women.
At the event held at Adeyemi Bero Auditorium in Alausa,
Ikeja, a total of about 230 pregnant women were given complete delivery packs
which included baby and mother beds, sanitary pad, towel, beverages,
thermometer, shawl, diapers, breastfeeding net, traveling bed, sanitizers,
among others.
The beneficiaries, drawn from all parts of the State, were
also lectured by experts on how to achieve safe delivery and other issues
relating to healthy living.
Earlier, HOFOWEM Coordinator, Ms Oyefunke Adeleke thanked
Mrs. Ambode for being a permanent fountain of kindness to women and children in
the State, adding that the programme was one of the numerous initiatives aimed
at significantly helping women and children.
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