A social and developmental organisation, HACEY, has improved maternal health outcomes for mothers at Okeletu Primary Health Centre, Lagos State, Nigeria.

The initiative is part of HACEY’s nationwide Project Agbebi, which aims to reduce maternal mortality and strengthen maternal health systems by increasing awareness and knowledge, fostering community-based support groups for expectant mothers, and providing essential birthing items to ease the financial burden of out-of-pocket expenses.

Speaking at Okeletu Primary Health Centre, Rhoda Robinson, Executive Director of HACEY, emphasized the organization’s commitment to ensuring that every woman experiences a safe birth and a joyful motherhood:

“Our goal at HACEY is that every woman is able to have a successful birth and a happy motherhood. It is our privilege to work with Okeletu PHC and all our mothers in the community. While pregnancy is an important period, the post-pregnancy phase is just as critical, not only for the baby but for the mother as well. As we bring our children for immunizations and health checks, let us remember to care for ourselves. Everything should not be about the baby alone; mothers deserve attention and love too.”

She further advised mothers to prioritize their health by attending all scheduled appointments and consulting their doctors before taking any medication, especially while breastfeeding, “Whatever you take also affects your baby. Ensure that any medicine you use is approved by your doctor. And please, do not miss your appointments, your health matters as much as your child’s.”

Project Agbebi addresses maternal health challenges by providing health and financial literacy training to pregnant women, distributing safe birthing kits to reduce infection risks during delivery, and creating community-based support groups that offer emotional and informational support throughout pregnancy and postpartum care.

Robinson concluded with a message of hope, “As we have given birth in good health, let us take care of our babies and keep ourselves safe, ensuring our babies receive all their immunizations.”

HACEY launched Project Agbebi, an initiative designed to improve maternal health outcomes across underserved communities in Nigeria. Implemented in 18 States, Project Agbebi has reached over 30,000 pregnant women across communities distributing birthing kits, and established community-based support groups to promote safe motherhood.