RismadarVoice Reporters
August 4, 2026
The Patience Umo Eno Golden Initiative for All (GIFA) has intensified efforts to reduce maternal and infant mortality in Akwa Ibom State with the expansion of its Ibom Open Maternity (IOM) Project to Ukanafun Local Government Area, providing free maternal healthcare services and distributing maternity kits to expectant and nursing mothers.
The intervention, which coincided with the 2026 World Breastfeeding Week celebration themed “Breastfeeding for a Sustainable Start in Life: Strengthen What Works,” took place at the Primary Healthcare Centre, Ikot Akpa Nkuk, where pregnant women also benefited from medical screenings and health education.
Speaking at the event, GIFA Team Lead, Pastor Anne Abraham, said the Ibom Open Maternity Project was established to bridge healthcare gaps by bringing essential maternal and newborn services closer to women in rural and underserved communities.
She explained that the initiative aligns with GIFA’s maternal and child healthcare mandate and complements the healthcare reforms of the administration of Governor Umo Eno, which prioritises improved access to quality and affordable healthcare for all residents of the state.
Pastor Abraham stressed that expanding access to antenatal care, skilled delivery services and postnatal support remains critical to ensuring safer pregnancies and healthier outcomes for mothers and newborns.
Chairman of Ukanafun Local Government Council, Mr Uyoh Ukpanah, called on expectant mothers to register early for antenatal care and deliver in accredited healthcare facilities to reduce the risks associated with pregnancy and childbirth.
He commended Governor Umo Eno, Lady Helen Eno Obareki and partners of the Ibom Open Maternity Project for sustaining investments aimed at improving maternal and child healthcare across the state.
Ukpanah noted that early antenatal registration and access to skilled birth attendants remain effective measures for preventing avoidable maternal and infant deaths, urging women to make full use of available healthcare services.
Also speaking, the wife of the Council Chairman, Mrs Mokut Ukpanah, described maternal and child healthcare as fundamental to building healthy families and sustainable communities, noting that breastfeeding remains one of the most effective and affordable ways of securing a healthy future for children.
In a health presentation, the Director of Primary Healthcare in Ukanafun Local Government Area, Mrs Margaret Umanah, encouraged pregnant women to take advantage of the free medical screening offered through the programme.
She emphasised the importance of regular antenatal visits, early detection of pregnancy-related complications and prompt medical intervention in safeguarding the lives of mothers and their babies.
The highlight of the outreach was the distribution of GIFA Mama and Baby Care (PATCARE) Kits to beneficiaries.
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Anita Simeon and Love Isaac expressed appreciation to GIFA, the Ibom Open Maternity Project and its partners for the intervention, describing it as a timely initiative that would ease the burden on expectant mothers and improve maternal and child wellbeing in the community.
