Efforts to reduce maternal and child deaths in the Federal Capital Territory are taking healthcare services closer to women in underserved communities.

One such intervention is a community medical outreach organised by Rotary Reproductive, Maternal and Child Health International in Kuje Area Council, Abuja. The outreach provided residents with medical screening, tests and other essential maternal and child health services, helping women access care without having to travel far for basic medical attention.

The FCT Coordinator of Reproductive Health, Maimuna Isa, said the FCT plans to extend the outreach to more communities and develop a follow-up system for women who require further medical attention.

The Chief Midwife of Rotary RMCH, Hannatu Dung, said the economic situation has made it difficult for some women to afford adequate healthcare. She called for stronger support from government and other stakeholders to complement community-based interventions.

The Germany Project Manager of Rotary RMCH, Daniela Kaempfe, also stressed the importance of ensuring that women and children have access to the healthcare and support they need. She encouraged women, particularly pregnant women, to make early and regular visits to healthcare facilities.

For beneficiaries such as Bilkisu Muhammad, the outreach offered an opportunity to receive medical screening and other healthcare services within the community. The Kuje intervention demonstrates how bringing essential maternal and child health services closer to communities can help remove some barriers to accessing care.