Diaspora (Commonwealth Union) _ The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has called on Nigerian communities abroad to remain connected to their roots by giving back to society. She lauded the efforts of the U-VOL Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving healthcare delivery, for its impactful contributions to maternal health in Benue State.
The U-VOL Foundation recently completed its Second Maternal Health Training Session at St. Charles Hospital and Maternity in Adoka, Benue. As part of this initiative, the foundation facilitated the donation of 19 Direct Relief Midwife Kits, each containing 61 essential items. These kits will empower midwives to conduct up to 50 safe facility-based births, enhancing maternal and neonatal care in underserved areas.
In a statement released by NIDCOM’s Media, Public Relations, and Protocols Unit, spokesperson Gabriel Odu emphasized that U-VOL’s relentless commitment to healthcare development validates the National Diaspora Merit Award it received in July 2024 during the National Diaspora Day Celebrations.
Dabiri-Erewa praised the foundation for its consistency in elevating healthcare standards in Nigeria. “The U-VOL Foundation has demonstrated its dedication to upscaling healthcare services in Nigeria,” she noted. “This award was well-deserved, and I encourage them to continue their commendable work without relenting.”
The foundation’s founder and CEO, Mrs. Faith Adole, stressed the urgent need for reliable and standardized healthcare services in underprivileged communities. She underscored that their mission is rooted in volunteerism and the spirit of giving back to society.
“Our goal extends beyond training it’s about creating sustainable solutions that empower healthcare professionals and the communities they serve,” Adole stated. “This initiative is just the beginning. By continuously training midwives, public health workers, and physicians while partnering with key institutions such as the state Ministry of Health and medical teaching institutions, we are laying a solid foundation for long-term maternal health improvements in Nigeria.”
The two-day intensive training program equipped 19 healthcare professionals, including nurses, midwives, public health physicians, and community health workers, with essential life-saving skills aimed at improving maternal and neonatal health outcomes in Adoka communities.
Participants engaged in hands-on learning sessions covering a comprehensive range of maternal and neonatal health topics, including:
- Neonatal and Maternal Resuscitation – Life-saving techniques to ensure the survival of mothers and newborns in critical situations.
- Pre-Eclampsia and Eclampsia Management – Addressing complications related to high blood pressure during pregnancy.
- Complex Birth Complications – Training on managing high-risk deliveries, including shoulder dystocia and multiple births.
- Family Planning and Birth Control – Educating healthcare providers on reproductive health options.
- Handling Obstetric Emergencies – Strategies for managing postpartum hemorrhage and other critical maternal health issues.
- Emergency Cesarean Section and Surgical Skills – Practical knowledge in conducting lifesaving surgical procedures.
- Infection Control in Maternal and Neonatal Care – Ensuring hygienic and safe birthing environments.
The training was conducted by a team of seasoned medical experts, including:
- Dr. Irowa Omoregie – Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Head of Obstetrics & Gynecology at the Federal University of Health Sciences Otukpo (FUHSO), Benue State.
- Dr. Nana Emeribe – Public Health Physician and U-VOL Foundation Lead Volunteer Health Programs Coordinator.
- Grace Ohepo & Ene Adakole – Nurse Midwives from FUHSO.
- Oluwafemi Amusa – Medical Student & Health Programs Intern, U-VOL Foundation.
- Oladotun Ajayi – Public Health Nurse & U-VOL Volunteer.
With initiatives like this, the U-VOL Foundation is transforming the healthcare landscape in Nigeria by equipping frontline health workers with essential tools and knowledge. The impact of their work extends beyond the training sessions, fostering a network of well-equipped professionals who can sustainably improve maternal health in their communities.
As Nigerian diaspora groups continue to play an active role in national development, U-VOL Foundation’s efforts exemplify how volunteerism, strategic partnerships, and dedication to social impact can drive meaningful change. With continued support, these healthcare interventions can lead to long-lasting improvements, ultimately reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates across the country.
