NAN-HG-9
Birth
By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja July 26, 2017(NAN) Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Care Foundation, an NGO, has sought the partnership of community and traditional leaders in reducing the rate of neonatal deaths in various communities in Nigeria.
The President of the Foundation, Mrs Olubunmi Lawal, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Wednesday.
Lawal said that partnering with women leaders in various communities was also an important way of understanding the dynamics of rural dwellers, especially in addressing reproductive health needs of the women.
“Our community leaders can change their mindset and orientation by organising town hall meetings to sensitise women of child bearing age to adhere to the need for healthy life style, she said.
According to her, such as an exercise can also redirect the minds of women toward ensuring they visit healthcare facilities on a regular basis.
“This is vital because consumption of folic acid by women of child bearing age, three months before conception, will go a long way to prevent a number of birth defects that can d result in neonatal deaths.
“Some mothers can have babies without a skull or babies with their brains damaged, to prevent this, women between 15 and 49 years should consume at least 0.4mg of folic acis daily before conception.
“Proper sensitisation on birth defect and regular consumption of folic acid will help reduce the neonatal and under five maternal mortality in the country.’’
She said that it was paramount for women to live a healthy life style by abstaining from smoking, alcohol intake, herbs and drug abuse as such could have adverse effect on developing foetus.
Lawal identified hypertension, diabetics and infections as risk factors and diseases that could predispose women to birth defect.
“Globally, it is estimated that 300,000 neonates are born with neural tube defect annually,for those who survive, there is often the need for lifelong medical, surgical and rehabilitation care.
“Research has shown that intake of folic acid prior to and during the early stages of pregnancy, prevents the occurrence and reoccurrence of neutral tube defect,’’
She, however, urged women to visit health care facilities, for early diagnoses to their health challenges.
NAN reports that Spina Bifida and Hydrocephalus Care Foundation (SBHCF) promotes and support healthy living for women of child bearing age in Nigeria.
SBHCF also promotes preconception care folic acid, prevention of child defect, adolescent care and support children born with abnormalities. (NAN)
TIM/DUA
Edited by Dada Ahmed