To achieve its health focus, the Rotary Club of Nigeria, Wuse 2 District, has raised awareness of 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 they can find help 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 providing maternal care to pregnant women.
“So, as a club, we must change the narrative.”
Speaking, Dr Nwakwo Tochuckwu, one of the mayors of the club, said the donations and health talks given to the women fulfilled the club’s maternal and child health responsibilities, which were its focus area in July.
Tochukwu observed that the donations were part of the club’s support for pregnant women in their pregnancy journey.
“Supporting pregnant women with these donations and health talk is important.
“Many 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 a mother’s mental health because a healthy mother will lead to a healthy baby.
“They should also take exercises seriously, stay clean and eat right.”
“They should also approach medical workers in case there is any concern,” she said.