The Lagos State Health District III, in collaboration with the Office of Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, has distributed food packs to expectant mothers to promote proper nutrition and improve maternal health.
The intervention took place on Friday at the Igbo-Efon Primary Health Centre along the Lekki-Epe Expressway as part of efforts to support pregnant women, particularly amid prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Health District III, Dr. Monsurat Adeleke, described the food distribution as a nutritional boost, stressing that a mother’s diet plays a vital role in the health and development of her unborn child.
Adeleke explained that proper nutrition during pregnancy helps prevent anaemia, supports healthy birth weight, reduces delivery complications and contributes to a child’s overall development.
She urged the beneficiaries to attend antenatal clinics regularly, take prescribed medications, maintain balanced diets, get adequate rest and promptly report any danger signs to healthcare workers. She also advised them to deliver in health facilities under the care of skilled birth attendants.
Representing the Special Adviser on Political, Legislative and Civic Engagement, the Director of Citizens Engagement, Dr. Omotayo Babatunde, described maternal and child health as a key component of human capital development.
He noted that healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, adequate nutrition, immunisation and postnatal care were essential to building a healthier society.
Babatunde reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to the wellbeing of mothers and children, urging beneficiaries to complement the support by attending antenatal appointments, practising exclusive breastfeeding and ensuring their children receive timely immunisation at primary healthcare centres.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs Victoria Akinwolemiwa thanked the state government for the intervention and pledged that expectant mothers in the community would continue to follow the guidance of healthcare professionals.
