The TY Danjuma Foundation’s partnership with the Antorf Rural Resource Development Centre (ARRDEC) promoted the uptake of maternal and child healthcare services in Akwa Ibom state. By implementing strategic projects that address maternal and child healthcare challenges, the Foundation seeks to improve access to quality and affordable healthcare for mothers and children in Ibiono-Ibom and Itu Local Government Areas of the state in 2025.
According to the World Health Organization, Nigeria accounts for approximately 28.5% of global maternal deaths with a maternal mortality ratio of 576 deaths per 100,000 live births, ranking among the highest globally. They also noted that women who attend up to 8 Antenatal and Neonatal Care contacts during pregnancy can reduce perinatal deaths by up to 8 per 1,000 births.
The TY Danjuma Foundation is committed to improving maternal and child healthcare services through refresher training for healthcare workers to strengthen their capacities in Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care and engaging community volunteers to link and incentivise pregnant women to take up antenatal care services. The training combines theoretical and practical aspects of antenatal care, two-way referrals, essential newborn care, and the use of anti-shock garments in the management of postpartum haemorrhage.
So far, these efforts have yielded increased ANC uptake and institutional deliveries – in the LGAs where projects were implemented.