To support women through pregnancy and early motherhood, the International Women’s Society (IWS) has distributed maternity and baby-care items to 100 expectant and nursing mothers at the Maternal and Child Care Centre (MCC) in Lagos.

Speaking during the outreach, the Chairperson of the Social Services Subcommittee of the IWS, Dr Janet Adetu, said the intervention was designed to ease the burden on mothers amid prevailing economic challenges and provide practical support for newborn care.

According to her, beneficiaries received bags containing essential items for both mothers and babies, including diapers, baby-care products, feeding accessories, breast pads, disposable panties, sanitary towels, food items, clothing materials and other household necessities.

Adetu explained that the initiative aligns with the society’s long-standing mission of supporting vulnerable women and children since its establishment in 1957.

“We decided to launch the Bundle of Joy initiative to put smiles on the faces of mothers and assist them on their journey of motherhood. The economy is difficult, and many families need support. We felt this was a meaningful way to help,” she said.

Adetu disclosed that the outreach, which cost several millions of naira, is expected to become an annual programme and will be extended to other hospitals and rural communities across the country.

She said the concept was inspired by maternity support packages commonly provided to new mothers in some countries, adding that similar interventions could be adopted more broadly to encourage and support maternal healthcare in Nigeria.

The Medical Director and Chief Executive Officer of the MCC, Dr Femi Aletan, commended the IWS for donating maternity items to nursing and expectant mothers at the facility.

Aletan described the gesture as laudable, noting that the items would bring relief and happiness to beneficiaries. He said the quality and quantity of the items reflected the society’s commitment to supporting vulnerable mothers and families.

The MCC chief also expressed appreciation to First Bank of Nigeria for supporting the initiative, urging other non-governmental organisations, corporate bodies and well-meaning individuals to emulate the IWS in giving back to society.