The Rotary Club of Isolo and the Inner Wheel Club of Isolo have urged expectant mothers to adhere strictly to medical advice, particularly on the management of neonatal jaundice, warning against harmful traditional practices such as exposing newborns to sunlight or administering unapproved remedies.

The appeal was made during a maternal and child health outreach organised as part of Rotary’s Maternal and Child Health Month activities. The programme featured the donation of baby care materials, hospital equipment and health education aimed at reducing preventable illnesses among newborns.

The two organisations also donated essential items to pregnant women, nursing mothers and Isolo General Hospital, Lagos, to support efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare.

President of the Rotary Club of Isolo, Adetutu Kamiyo, said the initiative aligns with Rotary International’s annual calendar, noting that maternal and child health remains one of the organisation’s core areas of focus.

She explained that the club selected Isolo General Hospital for this year’s intervention after carrying out a similar programme at Isolo Health Centre last year. According to Kamiyo, the clubs donated items including diapers, bedspreads, mackintoshes, a blood pressure monitor and tables, with the total value of the donations exceeding N1 million.

She added that the outreach marks the beginning of several humanitarian activities planned for the Rotary year, noting that the club’s next programme would focus on membership development through a seminar for prospective members in Isolo and neighbouring communities.

President of the Inner Wheel Club of Isolo, Oluwatoyin Edu, described the collaboration as a reflection of both organisations’ shared commitment to community service. She urged pregnant women to prioritise their health and that of their babies by following professional medical advice throughout pregnancy and after delivery.

Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of Isolo General Hospital, Dr Adeolu Arogundade, commended the intervention, describing it as a valuable contribution to government efforts to improve maternal and child health.

According to him, communities thrive when mothers and children receive adequate healthcare and support, urging individuals, corporate organisations and philanthropic groups to complement government investments in the health sector.

Also speaking, Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Ayodele Renner, advised expectant mothers to seek immediate medical attention for babies showing signs of jaundice and avoid self-medication or reliance on myths.

He reassured mothers that no nutritious food consumed during pregnancy causes jaundice in newborns, stressing that early diagnosis and prompt medical treatment remain the safest and most effective approach.