Moms Infant Care Network conducts free health screenings at the pre-launching ceremony and unveils the official date of the launch

Moms and Infant Care Network (MICN) is a nonprofit organization (NGO) committed to improving maternal-child health outcomes among underserved populations. MICN, founded by Dr. Praise Ebimaye Tangbe, an assistant professor at Connecticut State University, hosted a health fair in Gbaramatu Kingdom, Delta State, for its prelaunch. This event was held on Saturday at the Okerenkoko Federated Community, Warri Southwest Local Government Area, Delta State. 

The event marked a significant milestone in MICN's mission to foster an equitable environment that protects, improves, and promotes optimal health and well-being for mothers, children, and families. 

During the event, participants received several free health screenings, including eye exams, dental screening, blood glucose testing, blood pressure screening, and gynecological/obstetric consultations for women of childbearing age. These preventive screenings identify risk factors and existing medical conditions and provide immediate and follow-up interventions like medications, counseling, education, and surgery. 

In addition to health screenings, MICN distributed healthcare materials and supplies to attendees; among the items distributed were blood pressure machines for older pregnant women at risk for pregnancy-induced hypertension, breast pumps, baby beds/cribs, treated mosquito nets, free pampers, baby milk/food, pads for nursing and reproductive-age women, medicated glasses, free medications, and lots more. 

Speaking with PEBNEWS, the convener, Dr. Praise Ebimaye Tangbe, an assistant professor in the Department of Health and Movement Sciences at Connecticut State University in the United States of America, expressed her profound dedication to reducing maternal child morbidity rates and improving the overall health outcomes in underserved communities, in Nigeria and beyond. 

In her part, she said, "Today's health fair was a success as we had more than one thousand participants, and they were all screened and given medication by our onsite pharmacists for various health issues. For some participants, this is the first time a dentist or an optometrist has seen them. Moving forward, we will commence follow-ups on participants who were prescribed medicated glasses, and surgical interventions as advised by our onsite medical doctors."

Dr. Praise Tangbe explained that the initiative is timely considering the paucity of health personnel and resources in remote areas. She emphasized that the event goes beyond conducting preventive health screenings, distributing healthcare materials, and offering incentives. The goal is to create a lasting impact in people's lives by ensuring they receive the necessary treatments after screening, which is why the follow-up protocol is crucial to closing that loop. She also thanked her partners (Esther Mathew Tonlagha Foundation and Tantita Security Services, Nigeria Limited, Tompolo Foundation and Legionnaire for Mankind’s Health), volunteers, medical doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and other health professionals who worked tirelessly to make the event successfully.

Further, Dr. Tangbe stated that MICN hopes to return with more impactful initiatives to improve communities' health. She encouraged attendees to attend MICN's official launch on Friday, March 22, 2024, at Airport Road in Warri. The launch will feature a baby shower for mothers and expecting mothers, informative keynote speakers, door prizes, and other activities. This launch signals a new chapter in MICN's journey toward transformative maternal-child healthcare solutions.

Mrs. Baby Sunny, one of the attendees, stated: "It's a huge amount they've spent, and it added value for us." Other beneficiaries chanted in excitement, "Thank you, Moms and Infant Care Network; God bless you and the sponsors," The foundation has left a lasting mark on the people of Okerenkoko and neighboring communities.