The Refreshing Spring Foundation has expanded its StayAlive Campaign, a maternal health initiative founded by registered nurse Adetayo Mofikoya, to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes through health education, community outreach and practical support for women in underserved communities across Nigeria.
Launched in 2024, the StayAlive Campaign seeks to empower women and bridge gaps faced by mothers experiencing financial constraints and limited access to quality healthcare services.
The initiative focuses on women in marginalised and underserved communities, providing health education, community outreach and essential maternal and newborn care resources.
According to Mofikoya, the programme also educates women on the early recognition of serious pregnancy complications, including preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm labour, hyperemesis gravidarum, and molar pregnancy.
She said increasing awareness of such conditions and encouraging women to seek prompt medical attention could help reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
The initiative is based on the recognition that some maternal and neonatal deaths can be prevented through early detection of pregnancy complications, adequate nutrition, access to quality antenatal care and timely medical intervention.
Working with Primary Health Care Centres, the campaign has reached women at the Ifako and Alimosho Primary Health Care Centres in Lagos, as well as surrounding communities.
Participants received information on the importance of early and regular antenatal care, proper maternal nutrition, prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, and timely medical intervention during pregnancy.
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As part of its intervention, the StayAlive Campaign operates the Mama Kit Initiative, which provides families with essential supplies for a newborn’s first week of life.
The kits contain diapers, baby wipes and basic hospital consumables, helping to reduce the financial burden on families immediately after delivery.
Speaking on the campaign, Mofikoya said the initiative was committed to ensuring that no woman was denied the opportunity for a safe pregnancy because of a lack of information or basic support.
She said StayAlive also promotes healthy nutrition during pregnancy by educating women on the importance of a balanced diet containing protein, fruits, vegetables, iron, calcium and other essential nutrients required for maternal health and fetal growth.
The programme also encourages early and consistent antenatal care and the use of prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects.
Mofikoya said, “Women’s health is an essential part of healthcare that requires continuous education, support, and awareness. Many maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria are caused by pregnancy complications that can be prevented through early recognition, proper nutrition, access to prenatal care, and timely medical intervention.”
She added, “The StayAlive Campaign is empowering women with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions throughout pregnancy. Through education, advocacy, and practical support, we are working to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal mortality and ensure that every mother and every newborn has the opportunity to survive and thrive.”
The foundation said the campaign would continue to focus on education, advocacy and practical support to improve access to healthcare resources and promote safer pregnancies and healthier newborns.
The Refreshing Spring Foundation also called on healthcare providers, government agencies, development partners, corporate organisations and community leaders to support efforts to extend the campaign to more vulnerable communities across Nigeria.