As part of global activities marking Mother and Child Health Month, the Rotary Club of Abuja Capital and the New Era Ambassadors organised a maternal health outreach to support vulnerable women and children in Sauka, a community in Lugbe, Abuja.
Speaking at the outreach on Saturday, Rotary Club president, Omoboyewa Enenmoh said the initiative was designed to uplift underprivileged women unable to afford basic healthcare services. Held at the Divine Reign Ultimate Clinic in Sauka, the event attracted over 80 pregnant women who received essential hygiene materials, including mosquito nets, sanitary pads, soap, detergents, disinfectants, tissue paper, clean water and financial support to cover maternity-related expenses.
Enenmoh praised the role of Divine Reign Clinic in the community, noting its commitment to antenatal care, timely hospital referrals, health education and support for at-risk women.
“We came today with items to meet their basic hygiene needs and cleared some outstanding maternity bills,” she said. “It aligns with Rotary International’s focus on maternal and child health and this year’s theme: ‘United for Good.’”
She noted that many women in Sauka face serious barriers, from lack of transportation to hospitals to giving birth without support systems.
“These women are going through a lot. We came not with much, but with compassion. Our goal is to give hope,” she added.
Enenmoh urged local authorities, civil society and NGOs to support grassroots clinics like Divine Reign, emphasising that community actors must complement government efforts.
“We don’t have to wait for the Federal Government to do everything. Individuals, organisations and community leaders must act – that’s how we build Nigeria,” she stated.
A resident doctor at Divine Reign Ultimate Clinic, Dr. Bunmi Oyeleke, stressed the importance of maternal health and access to family planning in reducing maternal and child mortality.
She explained that family planning enables women to space pregnancies, reducing the risk of complications during childbirth, especially among teenagers and women with closely spaced births.
“When women have access to accurate information and affordable commodities, they make informed decisions about their reproductive health, which lowers maternal mortality risks significantly,” she said.
She further warned that preventable maternal deaths lead to the loss of caregivers, a rise in orphaned children and increased pressure on an already overstretched healthcare system.
Oyeleke called on the government to partner with the clinic by providing essential vaccines and family planning commodities. She stressed that Sauka lacks an approved Primary Healthcare Centre, despite its growing population.
“Despite our commitment, we are stretched thin. Government support is crucial if we’re to continue offering life-saving services in this underserved community,” she added.
