This high rate of maternal mortality in Nigeria can be attributed to several factors such as insufficient access to quality healthcare, limited education on maternal health, cultural practices that discourage women from seeking medical care, poverty, inadequate infrastructures, weak health systems, and many more.

In a bid to abate these challenging concerns and improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria, HACEY introduced Project Agbebi, a multi-faceted initiative aimed at addressing maternal health issues. Project Agbebi strives to improve access to quality healthcare by strengthening healthcare professionals’ capacity, educating women on maternal health, providing training for healthcare workers, and addressing cultural barriers that hinder women from seeking maternal health care.

The project has recorded some encouraging milestones, including a medical outreach and training for expectant mothers across 30 communities in Osun, Ogun, and Oyo states, where beneficiaries expressed immense gratitude for the lessons learned and support received. Over 3000 birthing kits have been distributed to beneficiaries of the project. Some of who have been very grateful and shared their touching experiences and various insights regarding maternal health care. here’s what some of the beneficiaries had to say;

“Thanks to the excellent care I received from my healthcare provider during my pregnancy, I was able to deliver a healthy baby. I am grateful for the attention and support I received throughout my pregnancy, which made all the difference in ensuring a positive outcome.” – Sarah, mother of one.

“Honestly, I did not know I have been missing out by not coming to ANC at the health facility. In my family, we prefer to go to the traditional birth attendants to give birth but my friend told me that their community leader said they must come to the clinic because there is something for them, so I decided to follow her.  I have learnt a lot from the training sessions and thank you for the birthing kits, I’m very grateful,”-Aminat Ahmed from Oyo state.

“I did not plan to come for the program before because my body was aching and I just wanted to sleep, then go to the market to get some of the things I’d be needing for the delivery. But one of the elders in our community encouraged everyone to come. Thank God I came, because the training was very insightful and I am glad I don’t have to buy marking tosh again, I can use the money to get something else,”-Iyabo Agboola, Oyo State.

“Today, I got to know I can open an account for my kids (babies for that matter) and nothing will happen to their money. These are some of the insights I gathered from the training sessions and other key maternal information,”-Ganiyu Nafisat, Osun state.

“I am happy I attended today’s antenatal. The teaching was fun and I want to say a big thank you to the NGO and access bank for making today happen for us. I like the financial part where we are taught how to save for ourselves and the baby and not focus on things that don’t matter because we want to impress our neighbors. I also want to say thank you for the birthing kit,”-Folake Enochi from Ogun state.

Access Corporation’s investment in Project Agbebi serves as a model for other private sector organizations to follow, especially in areas where the government’s capacity to address critical social issues is limited. Collaborative efforts between the public and private sectors are essential to achieving sustainable development and improving the well-being of communities in Nigeria.

Overall, the comprehensive efforts of Project Agbebi’s initiative are expected to mitigate the maternal mortality scourge in Nigeria. Achieving this feat will require the various stakeholders’ collaboration, including the government, healthcare providers, and community leaders, working collaboratively to provide long-lasting solutions that would improve maternal health outcomes in Nigeria.

The post Reducing Maternal Mortality in Nigeria: Insights from Project Agbebi’s Multi-Faceted Approach appeared first on HACEY.

To understand postpartum depression, it is necessary to understand the chemical, social, and psychological changes that occur when a woman gives birth. The term refers to a variety of physical and emotional changes that many new mothers experience. Medications and counseling can be used to treat PPD.

After childbirth, hormone levels begin to fall rapidly. There’s no conclusive evidence that this decline contributes to depression. Pregnancy raises levels of estrogen and progesterone, the female reproductive hormones, by 10 times. After that, they begin to decline rapidly. The levels of these hormones return to pre-pregnancy levels within three days of childbirth.

It’s also possible to develop depression due to the social and psychological changes that accompany having a child.

Postpartum depression is a common occurrence for new mothers. Women who have given birth to a child are more likely to suffer from a more severe and long-lasting form of postpartum depression. It is estimated that one in a thousand women will suffer from postpartum psychosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Postpartum Depression.

When it comes to postpartum depression, the symptoms can be difficult to spot. Following childbirth, many women experience the following symptoms:

• Inability to fall asleep
• Food habits change
• Severe fatigue
• Lower libido
• Mood swings on a regular basis.

When you have Postpartum Depression, you may also experience other signs and symptoms of major depression that aren’t typical after childbirth, such as:

Feeling disinterested in your baby or a lack of connection with the baby.

 Constantly crying, often for no apparent reason.

• depressed mood
• Extreme rage and irritability
• Dissatisfaction
• A sense of worthlessness, hopelessness, and helplessness 
• Suicidal or homicidal thoughts
• Thoughts of harming another person
• Inability to focus or make decisions

Hacey provides support for women, especially those who are expecting or nursing a baby. Our work in maternal health, has enabled us assist numerous women. Visit the website at hacey.org for more details.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post The Symptoms of Postpartum Depression: What Is It? appeared first on HACEY.

 innovation in health-tech appears to be concentrated in the continent’s largest tech hubs, Nigeria and South Africa, two of Africa’s largest economies and tech ecosystems, jointly account for 46% of identified health-tech start-ups, with Kenya and Egypt trailing shortly behind.

Africa is making progress within the tech space as the continent is fueling growth and attracting substantial investment in various sectors; ranging from finance, agriculture, entertainment and health. Currently, over 60% of the youth population in Africa access basic care. This is projected to increase over the next 20 years.

There is, however, a disease burden. The World Health Organization states that approximately 2300 under-five-year-olds and 145 women of childbearing age die daily in Nigeria due to poor access to healthcare

Nonetheless, there is hope emerging in health tech as access to medicines, remote consultation electronic medical records, digital diagnostics and tech enable response system are now part of the ecosystem, from Nigeria to Kenya, from Egypt to South Africa. This is a good development, and there is a need to maintain the trajectory across the continent.

Technology appears to be the recurrent theme as an enabler and catalyst. On Thursday, June 2nd healthcare innovators, funders, providers, users, and influencers converged at Radisson Hotel Ikeja to discourse the possibilities of new ideas to propel the health industry through technology.

The post Leveraging Technology in the Health Industry appeared first on HACEY.

Evidence has proven the effectiveness of antenatal care in reducing maternal mortality. Antenatal care is a type of preventive healthcare for pregnant women. It is commonly known as pregnancy or maternity care. It is provided in the form of medical checkups, consisting of recommendations on managing a healthy lifestyle during pregnancy. It is a means to identify high-risk pregnancies and educate women so that they might experience a healthier delivery and outcome. Antenatal care has reduced the frequency of maternal death, miscarriages, birth defects, low birth weight, neonatal infections, and other preventable health problems.

Antenatal care is very important during pregnancy as it is easy to detect complications and address them on time to avoid death (death of a child, mother, or even mother and child).  The major goals of antenatal care include to; promote and maintain the physical, mental, and social health of mother and baby by providing education on nutrition, personal hygiene, and the birthing process; detecting and managing complications during pregnancy, whether medical, surgical, or obstetrical; develop birth preparedness and complication readiness plan and help prepare the mother to breastfeed, successfully experience normal puerperium, and take good care of the child physically, psychologically, and socially.

Antenatal care is advocated as the cornerstone for reducing children’s deaths and improving maternal health, therefore every pregnant and expecting mother is expected to take the antenatal care program seriously in other to prevent maternal mortality. All women need access to high-quality care during pregnancy and after childbirth. If pregnant women can become responsible for their health and the health of their unborn child by visiting a health facility for proper maternal education and care, then we are halfway to solving the problem of maternal mortality in Nigeria. It is also important that all births are attended by skilled health professionals, as timely management and treatment can make the difference between life and death for the mother as well as for the baby. 

Maternal mortality is a global phenomenon, though some countries are more affected than others.

To learn about our Maternal Health Project visit www.HACEY.org.

Written By:

Mercy Kalu

The post How Antenatal Care Lower Rates Of Maternal Mortality appeared first on HACEY.

Gestational diabetes in pregnancy is a condition in which your blood sugar levels rise dramatically while you are expecting a child. There are two types of gestational diabetes: A1and A2. Diet and exercise can help women with class A1 manage their condition. Insulin or other medications are required for those who have A2 diabetes.

After giving birth, gestational diabetes is no longer a problem. However, it has the potential to harm your baby’s health and increase your chances of developing type 2 diabetes later in life. You can take steps to ensure that you and your child remain healthy.

Women with gestational diabetes typically do not experience any symptoms or may mistakenly attribute them to pregnancy. The majority of people find out they have it during a routine screening.

Your thirst may be greater than usual, your hunger may be greater than usual, and you may eat more than usual. You may also notice that you pee more than usual.

When you eat, your pancreas releases insulin, a hormone that aids in the movement of a sugar called glucose from your bloodstream to your cells, where it is converted to energy for your body. During pregnancy, your placenta produces hormones that cause glucose to build up in your bloodstream, leading to gestational diabetes. Usually, your pancreas can produce enough insulin to keep up with your needs. However, if your body is unable to produce enough insulin or if it ceases to use insulin as it should, your blood sugar levels will rise, and you will develop gestational diabetes.

Pregnancy-related diabetes is more likely to occur; if you were overweight before becoming pregnant; have blood sugar levels that are higher than they should be but not high enough to be diagnosed as diabetes (this is called prediabetes). when you have a family member who has diabetes or has had gestational diabetes in the past might put you at risk. Having polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) or another health condition linked to problems with insulin is also a factor. High blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart disease, or other medical conditions can put you at risk as well.

Having gestational diabetes requires treatment as soon as possible in order to maintain you and your baby’s health throughout the course of your pregnancy and childbirth. If you have diabetes, your doctor will instruct you to check your blood sugar levels four or more times per day, check your urine for ketones, which are chemicals that indicate that your diabetes is not under control, consume a healthy diet, and engage in regular physical activity. Your doctor will keep track of your weight as well as the development of your child. They may prescribe insulin or another medication to you in order to keep your blood sugar levels under control.

Consume a nutritious, low-sugar diet and consult with your doctor to ensure that you are getting the nutrition you require. Follow a meal plan designed for people with diabetes, such as:

• Substitute natural sugars such as fruits, carrots, and raisins for high-calorie snacks such as cookies, candy, and ice cream. Vegetables and whole grains should be included, and portion sizes should be observed.

• Eat three small meals and two or three snacks throughout the day at the same times every day, if possible.

• Carbohydrates should account for 40% of your daily calories, with protein accounting for 20%. The majority of the carbohydrates should be complex, high-fiber carbohydrates, with fat ranging between 25 and 40% of the total carbohydrate intake.

• Aim for between 20 and 35 grams of fiber per day. Consuming whole-grain breads, cereals, and pasta, as well as brown or wild rice, oatmeal, and vegetables and fruits, will assist you in reaching your goals.

• Try to keep your total fat intake to less than 40% of your daily calorie intake. Reduce the amount of saturated fat you consume to less than 10% of your total calorie intake.

• Consume a variety of foods to ensure that you receive adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals. It is possible that you will require a supplement to cover all of your bases. Inquire with your doctor about whether or not you should take one.

Maintain your physical activity throughout your pregnancy. When you have gestational diabetes, you can exercise as long as your doctor gives you the green light. Being physically active can assist you in controlling your blood sugar levels. Maintaining a healthy weight while pregnant is also beneficial for your posture and can help you avoid some common problems such as backaches and fatigue. As soon as possible, get involved in the community. On most days of the week, try to get in 30 minutes of moderate activity. Running, walking, swimming, and bicycling are all excellent exercises.

If you and your doctor keep your blood sugar under control while you have gestational diabetes, your baby will almost certainly be healthy. Doctors will examine your newborn immediately after birth to determine his or her blood sugar level and if it is too low, they may need to administer glucose intravenously until it returns to normal.

Pregnancy with gestational diabetes increases the likelihood of having a baby that is larger than normal. It has also been linked to jaundice, a condition in which the skin appears yellowish. Jaundice usually disappears within a few days of receiving treatment. Despite the fact that your child will be more likely than other children to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, leading a healthy lifestyle (including a nutritious diet and plenty of physical activity) can help to reduce this risk.

For more information on our maternal health programs, please visit hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Gestational Diabetes: Important information for pregnant women appeared first on HACEY.

Midwifery makes a difference by providing care for both women and babies. When it comes to midwifery care, women and their families benefit from a combination of prevention and support, early identification and prompt treatment or referral of complications, as well as respectful and compassionate care during a crucial time in their lives. During pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, midwives work to enhance women’s own abilities as well as the normal processes of pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding.

When it comes to any health system, midwifery is a critical component, and the implementation of high-quality midwifery services will help to strengthen efforts to reform health systems. Midwives play an important role in ensuring that the woman, her baby, and her family receive the appropriate care at the appropriate time. Women and babies require midwifery care in all settings, including those where there are no midwives or where midwives’ scope of practice is restricted. The care of women in these situations should be provided by other health-care professionals, such as doctors and nurses, community health workers, and others who have received specialized training in midwifery skills. In such circumstances, it is likely that healthcare professionals will need to collaborate in order to ensure that women and babies receive the comprehensive care that they require.

HACEY is joining the celebrations with the Midwives’ Society and other midwives around the world as the world marked International Midwives Day.

For more information on our maternal health project, please visit hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Midwives Are Life Savers for Women appeared first on HACEY.

When you are planning to have a baby, it can be a thrilling and challenging time in your life. If you are experiencing emotional changes at this time, don’t be surprised. With pregnancy comes the normal feeling of apprehension and dread about what’s ahead. This is a stressful time for a lot of people, especially when they realize that they are facing significant changes that they cannot fully prepare for or control.

Stress can also be associated with the pregnancy itself. Apart from having to deal with hormonal and physical changes, you may also be anxious about things like antenatal tests, especially if you’ve had a bad experience in the past, such as a miscarriage.

During pregnancy (during the ‘antenatal’ period) and after birth (during the ‘postnatal’ period), both women and men can experience mental health problems.

Certain conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder, can be brought on by pregnancy for some people (less common). Pregnancy depression affects up to one to ten women and one in every twenty men. In addition, many women experience anxiety and depression at the same time during their prenatal period.

Certain factors can increase your chances of developing anxiety and depression while pregnant. Here are some of them: past or current problems with your mental health, feeling you don’t have enough support, going through a difficult time, such as a difficult time in your relationship, past or current abuse of any kind, and drug and/or alcohol problems.

For all expectant mothers and their partners, it is a good idea to keep track of their mental health and well-being throughout their pregnancy. Look for signs that you might require assistance and prepare to act if the situation calls for it.

If you’ve been feeling consistently bad (e.g. sad or worried) for more than two weeks, if you’re having negative thoughts and feelings that are starting to interfere with your ability to function normally, or if you’re showing signs of depression such as losing interest or feeling hopeless or unable to cope, then it’s time to seek advice from a healthcare professional. In addition, you may experience overwhelming anxiety or worry most of the time, which may result in panic attacks or the development of obsessive or compulsive behavior.

For more information on our maternal and mental health, check www.hacey.org.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Understanding Mental Health And Complications During Pregnancy appeared first on HACEY.

The health of a mother during pregnancy and after childbirth is critical to her physical and mental well-being, as well as her ability to provide love and proper care to her newborn child at birth and many years afterward.

Maternal health and the quality of life of their children are critically important, which is why it is so critical to place a strong emphasis on maternal health during pregnancy and after childbirth. The development and health of their unborn child are the primary concerns of most pregnant women. Nonetheless, it is critical for expectant mothers to have regular prenatal visits not only to ensure the health of their child but also to ensure their health during and after pregnancy.

While a woman is pregnant and throughout her prenatal doctor visits, any existing health risks can be identified and measures taken to prevent any ongoing health problems, not only for the child but also for the mother herself.

During pregnancy and childbirth, every mother should have access to high-quality care, and every child should have a healthy start in life as well. Birthing a child should be a joyful occasion, but it is often a source of anxiety for many women around the world. Women die from complications during pregnancy and childbirth at a rate of more than 800 per day, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). When given the proper resources and care, the vast majority of these deaths could be avoided. For the sake of themselves and their unborn child, HACEY encourages pregnant women to maintain a healthy lifestyle. HACEY has been impactful in providing facilities that will be of benefit to pregnant women.  Hacey.org provides additional information on our maternal Health.

Visit www.hacey .org for more information on our maternal health project.

Written By Adegboye Michael

The post The Role of Maternal Health Care During and After pregnancy appeared first on HACEY.

It is critical that both the mother and the newborn infant have a thorough physical examination and evaluation within one hour of birth, six hours after birth, as well as during the first 24 hours following birth and before being discharged from the hospital to their home. For this reason, it is recommended that mothers stay at the hospital for at least 24 hours after delivery. This is in order to ensure close monitoring of both mother and child. This also provides the mother with an opportunity to relax.

Following the immediate postpartum period, a minimum of three visits is advised within the first six weeks after delivery. This is usually done 2–3 days after birth, 7–14 days after birth, and 6 weeks after delivery, according to a standard schedule. Therefore, it is necessary to reconsider which components of postnatal care may be offered at or near to the patient’s home by community-based or primary care health practitioners, and which components could be provided efficiently at the healthcare facility level.

It is critical that women receive high-quality postpartum care from a qualified healthcare professional. The care provided at the time of birth and in the immediate postnatal period should be provided by a skilled birth attendant, who is defined as “an accredited health care professional – such as a midwife, doctor, or nurse – who has been educated and trained to proficiency in the skills needed to manage normal (uncomplicated) pregnancies and childbirth, as well as the identification, management, and referral of complications in women and newborn babies.”

Additionally, competent birth attendants are available to provide care during later postnatal care visits to a hospital institution. Postnatal care can be given in part or in full by a variety of various cadres of healthcare professionals at the community level, including in certain cases by a community-based health care worker in some contexts. The provision of a comprehensive package of postnatal care at all levels is essential in all circumstances. This includes clear referral channels in place for mothers or babies who develop problems or sicknesses that need additional investigation and management.

For the mother and her family, childbirth and the period immediately following childbirth are significant social and cultural events that must be celebrated. In order to successfully begin their new life together, it is critical that a supportive atmosphere exists in which a mother, her infant, and their family feel well educated and equipped.

All postnatal care consultations should be conducted in a setting where the mother and infant may be seen together by the same healthcare professional at the same time. This should be in a room or area that is warm and bright, well ventilated, and where the appropriate level of privacy can be maintained.

It is essential that the health and well-being of both mother and child be prioritized during the postnatal care consultation. A ‘debriefing’ and discussion of what happened during pregnancy and birth, as well as whether or not there were any issues or challenges, gives for a better understanding of what could happen in future pregnancies. Options for family planning should be explored and made available.

A woman’s understanding of the possible consequences of any tests or investigations performed during and after pregnancy should be addressed with her once the findings of such tests or investigations have been reviewed with her.

It is a good time to assess maternal co-morbidities and determine whether the mother has been checked and treated for HIV, tuberculosis, malaria, syphilis, anemia, hypertension, or diabetes while she is expecting the baby. When a mother has a new baby, she will have the opportunity to bond with her child, nurture and feed her child. She will require support and advice during this time, as well as the ability to express any concerns she may have about herself and her newborn child.

To learn more about our maternal health project, Visit www.hacey.org 

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post Motherhood and Assessment of Postnatal Care appeared first on HACEY.

School-based sexuality education is one of the primary responsibilities of a school in preparing its students for healthy and fulfilling adult lives.

Understanding and identifying healthy and harmful relationship patterns are effective ways to communicate relationship needs and handle conflict. Also, techniques to avoid or exit an unhealthy relationship should all make part of a teacher’s sex education.

Most children may struggle with body image concerns, which can have a negative impact on their self-esteem. It is a teacher’s responsibility to help such pupils accept their sexuality and feel comfortable in their own skin.

As part of their responsibilities in sex education, teachers should also provide students with a safe space where they can discuss matters that they may not be able to openly discuss. A safe space encourages learners to be optimistic and confident as they study and ask questions; it is free of negative judgments and discourages censorship, instead of encouraging an open and honest environment.

Students should be educated on the fundamentals of privacy. In the later stages of childhood, children may begin engaging in activities such as asking one another about their bodies. They may also begin steering at one another’s bodies in bathrooms, or even showing intimate body parts to one another. It is critical to discuss with students the fundamental rules of their bodies.

It is imperative that they understand that their bodies belong to them and that no one should touch them without their permission. Students should be taught to reject unwanted bodily contact, whether it is appropriate or not, including kissing, hugging, and other forms of physical contact.

The difference between a decent touch and a bad touch should be clear to them. The Underwear Rule is an excellent way to teach this. This indicates that touching anything covered by underpants is inappropriate. Additionally, they should be encouraged to seek advice from a trustworthy adult or family member when they are subjected to improper touching.

When students are taught there are positive secrets and bad secrets, they are less likely to be tricked by sexual abusers into keeping secrets. Particularly if they are being inappropriately handled or mistreated.

HACEY has engaged in helping young people understand their bodies and their sexuality, which has had a significant impact. Our Safe Space project and Youth Amplify provides a comfort zone and better understand of one’s sexuality.

Visit our website at www.hacey.org for more information.

Written By:

Michael Adegboye

The post The Roles School Play in Sex Education appeared first on HACEY.