By Emmanuel Enitan
AIICO Insurance Plc and HACEY Health Initiative have reached 1,000 participants through a maternal health outreach in Ikorodu, Lagos State, providing health screening, medical referrals and 650 maternal care kits in an intervention aimed at improving pregnancy care and newborn health.
The two-day programme, held in September at General Hospital, Ikorodu, integrated health education and screening into existing antenatal and immunisation clinics, targeting pregnant women, nursing mothers and infants.
The exercise featured blood pressure, blood sugar and malaria screening, alongside education on pregnancy danger signs, malaria prevention, birth preparedness and the need to seek medical attention promptly.
Participants with high-risk results, including elevated blood pressure or blood sugar and positive malaria tests, were referred to an on-site medical doctor for further assessment and care.
The organisers also distributed 650 maternal care kits containing essential supplies such as chlorhexidine gel, sterile gloves, gauze, surgical blades, cord ties, sanitary pads, antiseptics, diapers, wipes and mackintosh. Healthcare workers provided guidance on the appropriate use of the items to support hygienic delivery and newborn care.
AIICO Insurance Plc’s Corporate Responsibility and Sustainability Manager, Abimbola Shobanjo, said the initiative was designed to address practical community health needs through preventive care, education and access to essential supplies.
She said reaching 1,000 participants with health education and screening, facilitating medical referrals for those with high-risk results and distributing maternal care kits reflected the company’s approach to corporate responsibility.
“Impact goes beyond providing resources. It also involves helping people recognise potential health risks, understand when to seek medical attention and make more informed decisions about their wellbeing,” Shobanjo said.
She added that working with HACEY and healthcare professionals at the hospital enabled the partners to deliver the intervention through an existing healthcare facility and reach women already accessing maternal and child health services.
Participants also highlighted the importance of the exercise. A trader, Balogun Olajumoke, said the health education session reinforced the need to take proper care of herself and her baby throughout pregnancy.
Another participant, caterer Idiat Adebola, stressed the importance of malaria screening, noting that the condition might not always present obvious symptoms before becoming serious.
Healthcare professionals at the outreach encouraged mothers to prioritise their own wellbeing alongside the care of their babies, with emphasis on regular antenatal monitoring and early attention to conditions that could pose risks during pregnancy.
The partnership reflects efforts by corporate organisations and health-focused groups to complement existing healthcare services through community-based interventions. By combining screening, referrals, health education and maternal supplies, the programme sought to improve awareness and encourage timely access to care among women and families.
AIICO Insurance Plc, established in 1963, provides life and general insurance, health insurance and investment management services to individuals, families and corporate customers.
The company said it would continue to support initiatives focused on community wellbeing and social impact.
