MAMA-LINK Initiative and PHC Oxygen Readiness Project Flags Off at PHC Gbazango, Bwari

Bukola Afeni

As part of measures aimed at improving access to maternal healthcare and strengthening primary healthcare facilities’ response to maternal and emergency needs, the Daisy Oak Foundation, in partnership with the Veronica Foundation and Vivacity Development, and in collaboration with the Bwari Area Council, has flagged off the MAMA-LINK Initiative and the PHC Oxygen Readiness Project at PHC Gbazango, Bwari Area Council.

The Program Director of Daisy Oak Foundation, Dr. Kiema Ogunlana, said MAMA-LINK is designed to walk the maternal-health journey with every woman.

“From identification and ANC linkage to nutrition support, delivery preparation, emergency transport, financial access, delivery and follow-up. That is what we mean when we say development must make sense at the last mile.

“We have enrolled 30 pregnant women at PHC Gbazango, and already three women identified during the early phase have delivered successfully, with both the mothers and their babies doing well.”

According to her, the initiative is built around the theme “From Awareness to Access”.

“Every woman should know what to do in an emergency and access care from a facility that is ready to receive her. She should be able to afford, navigate, and prepare for delivery.

“We should be able to ask whether the woman actually reached care, whether she was able to attend her ANC visits, whether cost or transportation stood in her way, whether she was prepared for delivery and whether the facility was ready when she arrived.”

In the same vein, she highlighted that the project will ensure that available oxygen resources remain functional, properly maintained and sustainable.

“The PHC Oxygen Readiness Project is designed to strengthen the facility’s capacity to provide timely oxygen support, particularly in maternal, newborn and emergency care.

“We will assess the availability, functionality, maintenance and monitoring of oxygen-related equipment and systems, including oxygen sources, gauges, regulators, flowmeters, pulse oximeters, refill systems, storage facilities and safety procedures.”

The Program Director of Veronica Foundation, Mr. Agbane Godwin, said the initiative is set to address barriers between communities and primary health care facilities.

“Through the MAMA-LINK project we seek to promote a more responsive and accountable maternal healthcare system by addressing barriers between communities and primary healthcare facilities.”

“The programme is being implemented in collaboration with the Bwari Area Council and PHC Gbazango, with clinical services provided by qualified healthcare professionals and supports strategic partnerships and resource mobilisation.”

The District Head of Bwari Chiefdom in Bwari Area Council, Jibrin Mohammed, called on other Nigerians to support laudable projects that will bring about the development of their community.

He commended the organisers for the act of generosity and community service.

The Officer-in-Charge of Gbazango Primary Health Care Centre, Madam Chioma, expressed delight over the flag-off of the MAMA-LINK Initiative and the PHC Oxygen Readiness Project at the facility.

She said the PHC is always happy to support interventions that focus on pregnant women.

The medical expert disclosed that under the FCT Health Insurance Scheme, the PHC is taking care of a large number of pregnant women, adding that many are also enrolled under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF).

“There is a lot of pregnant women that are under our care under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund. The essence of the gathering is to enroll pregnant women into the scheme supported by the Daisy Oak Foundation and its partners.”

While speaking on enrolment strategy, she noted that women will be posted to the PHC closest to them to reduce distance barriers to care.

“We don’t want a situation whereby a patient has to travel miles before they access care. So when you come to us, all we need from you is to tell us where you are living,” she said.