ASHENEWS reports that Fidelity Bank Plc has donated maternity kits to 30 pregnant women at the Mushin Primary Health Centre (PHC), Lagos, in a bid to improve maternal health in the area.
This initiative, which is part of the bank’s ‘Fidelity Helping Hands Program,’ (FHHP), a Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) project is designed to foster staff-driven community support.
According to the bank, the donation, organized by the Great Minds Inductees Class of the bank, seeks to lessen the financial burden on expectant mothers.
This will in turn strengthen safe deliveries in such underserved communities.
The bank added that its employees across various branches identified the project and contributed funds, which were matched by the bank’s management for its execution.
Speaking during the handing over ceremony, the Divisional Head, Brand and Communications Division, Fidelity Bank Plc, Dr Meksley Nwagboh said “The project was borne out of the need to support pregnant women by providing them with essential materials for a safe delivery.”
According to Nwagboh, “Maternal mortality remains a significant public health challenge in Nigeria, with the country accounting for a substantial proportion of global maternal deaths. In fact, a 2023 United Nations report indicate that nearly 28.5% of global maternal deaths occur in Nigeria. This is an alarming statistic and as a bank given to improving the welfare of our host communities, we deemed it fit to support initiatives to address this challenge in the Mushin community with this donation.”
On his part, the Medical and Health Officer for Mushin LGA, Dr. Kayode Odufuwa, equally lauded the bank’s gesture.
He said that this gesture would encourage antenatal care registration especially, among low-income families.
“This intervention will help reduce maternal mortality and improve access to healthcare services,” he remarked.
On her part, the Apex Nurse and Deputy Director of Nursing Services in Mushin LGA, Mrs. Bolanle Odunlami, bank for alleviating challenges faced by many mothers.
“The donation is a much-needed relief for many mothers who are unable to afford essential delivery kits. Fidelity Bank has truly shown empathy by coming to the aid of our patients, and for that, we are extremely grateful.”
Appreciating the support of Fidelity Bank, one of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Mary Olusanya, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the bank’s support.
“I appreciate Fidelity Bank for helping us. Many pregnant women cannot afford these kits, but this donation ensures that we can have safe deliveries and better healthcare,” she said.
