Preconception care consists of interventions provided to a couple before they conceive, aiming to reduce pregnancy risks and improve the health of both the mother and baby throughout the pregnancy, ultimately leading to better pregnancy outcomes. Preconception Care is an aspect of Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) but Unfortunately, preconception care is not routinely practiced in low and middle income countries including Cameroon, leading to many unplanned pregnancies that often result in unfavourable outcomes such as severe malformations in babies, new-born deaths, and maternal deaths.
Therefore, we organized a one-day campaign on the 31st of August 2024 to screen 500 men and women of reproductive age(18 years and above)
The screening will include testing for hypertension, diabetes, Hepatitis, overweight and obesity which are common medical conditions that have to be well managed before pregnancy occurs.
Also, we will distribute folic acid to 300 women. This is an important vitamin that should be taken at least three (3) months before pregnancy, to prevent malformations in children and many women are not aware of this. Lastly,
Health talks on PRECONCEPTION CARE (AP-CARE) and its importance including Nutritional counseling, STIs, Genetic testings.
This will go a long way to improve knowledge on preconception, early diagnosis and management of medical conditions and help couples better plan their pregnancies, therefore ensuring a healthy community and future generations.
[Volunteers sensitizing the population on preconception care and announcing the Campaign: Neigem Mbwame, Manli Confidence, Akem Schanticlear]
We successfully screened over 200 people for Diabetes, Hypertension, obesity and they all benefited from free consultations. Thanks to the Hepatitis team from the Bamenda Regional Hospitalwho accepted our invitation to include free screening for Hepatitis. Those with abnormalities were linked to doctors for follow up. All this to ensure early diagnosis and management of medical conditions which could affect a woman and their unborn baby. Combating #maternalmortality and #neonatalmortalityThanks to all who support this project we are truly grateful.
[Cross-section of the Health campaign with health talks, and screening]
To improve awareness on such an important aspect which many people are not aware of, we brought in experts like Dr Walter Pisoh a renowned gynecologist/obstetrician of the main referral hospital in the region Bamenda Regional Hospital who gave a detailed explanation on the importance of preconception care and when to start. A Nutrition coach Dr AYUVEA ANGELO T. who provided simplified methods on how to improve our diet which is crucial in before and during pregnancy. A multiple award winning midwife Martha Agbornyenty founder of For Mom and Baby Foundation who elaborated on some of the complications midwives face during delivery which could been prevented during the preconception period.
The participants were so impressed and left satisfied ready to spread the news and practice preconception care.
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