Rotary Club raises awareness on mental health during pregnancy
By Patricia Amogu
As part of efforts to achieve its health focus, the Rotary Club of Nigeria, Wuse 2 District has raised awareness on mental health during pregnancy among women in FCT.
The club also donated maternal kits to the women, according to the president of the club, Mrs Rebecca Ebokpo.
Donating the relief materials at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Dutse Makaranta, Abuja on Wednesday, Ebokpo said it was very important to ensure the mental wellness of expectant mothers.
According to her, the donations made by the club were to aid care delivery to pregnant women.
“We are focused on mental health among pregnant women.
“We will continue to do more and do more on sensitisation. Let them know that they can find help right from the primary health care centres.
“Sometimes pregnant women do not speak out for fear of being misunderstood,” she said.
She said available “statistics indicate that Nigeria is not doing well in terms of providing maternal care to pregnant women.
“So as a club, we have to step in and change the narrative.”
Speaking, Dr Nwakwo Tochuckwu, one of the mayors of the club said the donations and health talks given to the women were in fulfillment of the club’s maternal and child health responsibilities, which were its focus area in the month of July.
Tochukwu observed that the donations were part of the club’s support to pregnant women to assist them in their pregnancy journey.
“It is important to support pregnant women with these donations and health talk.
“A lot of them have no money or support and sometimes fall into post-natal depression without understanding what is wrong with them.
“But with awareness creation they become aware and ready,’’ he said.
Dr. Linda Eze- Obiako noted the need and importance of focusing on the mental health of a mother, because a healthy mother will lead to a healthy baby.
“They should also take exercises serious, stay clean and eat right.’’
“ They should also approach medical workers incase there is any concern,’’ she said.
Mrs Abigail Austin, a beneficiary and expectant mother, applauded the efforts of the club and the donations to the expectant mother’s, saying it was apt.
“During the health talk when we were being taught about mental health talk ,it hit me hard because I have had my own share of it.
“I already have two kids , so when I took in this time, I got into depression because I wasn’t ready for it , but I didn’t know who to talk to.
“Things are hard now and talking to people who already have their own handful of problems can be overwhelming. ‘she said (NAN)
PAO/YEE
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