AIICO, HACEY support 1,000 in maternal health outreach
AIICO Insurance Plc, in partnership with HACEY Health Initiative, has provided maternal health support to 1,000 participants through a two-day outreach in Ikorodu, Lagos.
The intervention featured health education, medical screening, referrals and the distribution of 650 maternal care kits to pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants.
Mrs Abimbola Shobanjo, AIICO’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.
She said the outreach was integrated into General Hospital, Ikorodu’s antenatal and immunisation clinics to improve access to maternal and child healthcare services.
The screening covered blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria, with participants recording high-risk results referred to an on-site medical doctor.
The programme also educated women on pregnancy danger signs, malaria prevention, birth preparedness and the importance of seeking prompt medical care.
The maternal care kits contained chlorhexidine gel, surgical blades, sanitary pads, antiseptics, nappies, wipes, sterile gloves, gauze, mackintosh and newborn cord-care materials.
“Our approach to corporate responsibility is centred on initiatives that address real needs and make a practical difference in people’s lives,” Shobanjo said.
She described maternal health as particularly important, noting that mothers’ wellbeing had implications for their babies, families and communities.
“Through this outreach, we supported 1,000 participants with health education and screening, facilitated timely medical referrals for those with high-risk results, and provided 650 maternal care kits,” she said.
She said the kits were intended to promote safer delivery and newborn care practices.
Shobanjo added that the initiative went beyond providing resources by helping participants recognise health risks and make informed decisions about their wellbeing.
“We believe that impact goes beyond providing resources. It also involves helping people recognise potential health risks, understand when to seek medical attention and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing,” she said.
She said collaboration with HACEY and healthcare professionals at General Hospital, Ikorodu, enabled the partners to deliver support within an existing healthcare setting.
Two beneficiaries, Balogun Olajumoke, a trader, and Idiat Adebola, a caterer, highlighted the benefits of the outreach.
Olajumoke said the health education session reminded her of the importance of caring for herself and her baby throughout pregnancy.
Adebola highlighted the importance of malaria screening, noting that the condition could become serious without presenting obvious symptoms.
The outreach encouraged participants to prioritise antenatal visits and seek prompt medical attention for conditions that could threaten their health or that of their babies.
Shobanjo said the intervention reflected AIICO’s commitment to community wellbeing through targeted corporate social responsibility initiatives.
