The Refreshing Spring Foundation is expanding its StayAlive Campaign, a maternal health initiative founded by a Registered Nurse, Adetayo Mofikoya, to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes through health education, community outreach, and practical support for women in underserved communities across Nigeria.
The StayAlive Campaign, an initiative of the Refreshing Spring Foundation, was launched in 2024 to empower women and bridge the gap for mothers facing financial
barriers and limited access to quality healthcare services.
The programme focuses on supporting women in marginalized and underserved communities across Nigeria through health education, community outreach, and essential maternal and newborn care resources.
According to Mofikoya, the Progrmme also educates women on early recognition of serious pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, placenta previa, placental abruption, preterm labour, hyperemesis gravidarum, and molar pregnancy. By increasing awareness of these conditions and encouraging prompt medical attention, the campaign seeks to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal deaths.
The initiative is driven by the realization that many maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria can be prevented through early detection of pregnancy complications, adequate nutrition, access to quality prenatal care, and timely medical intervention.
Working in partnership with Primary Health Care Centres, the StayAlive Campaign has reached women at the Ifako and Alimosho Primary Health Care Centres in Lagos, as well as surrounding communities.
Participants received information on the importance of early and regular antenatal care, proper maternal nutrition, prenatal vitamins (including folic acid), and timely medical intervention during pregnancy.
As part of its intervention, the StayAlive Campaign operates the Mama Kit Initiative, which provides families with essential supplies needed during a newborn’s first week of life. The kits include diapers, baby wipes, and basic hospital consumables, helping to ease the financial burden on families immediately after delivery.
Speaking on the campaign, Mofikoya, said the initiative is committed to ensuring that no woman is denied the opportunity for a safe pregnancy because of a lack of information or basic support.
StayAlive promotes healthy nutrition during pregnancy by educating women on the importance of a balanced diet rich in protein, fruits, vegetables, iron, calcium, and essential nutrients needed for maternal health and fetal growth. The program also encourages early and consistent antenatal care and the use of prenatal vitamins, including folic acid, to reduce the risk of neural tube defects (NTDs).
According to the Refreshing Spring Foundation founder: “Women’s health is an essential part of healthcare that requires continuous education, support, and awareness. Many maternal and neonatal deaths in Nigeria are caused by pregnancy complications that can be prevented through early recognition, proper nutrition, access to prenatal care, and timely medical intervention”.
“The StayAlive Campaign is empowering women with the knowledge and resources they need to make informed decisions throughout pregnancy. Through education, advocacy, and practical support, we are working to reduce preventable maternal and neonatal mortality and ensure that every mother and every newborn has the opportunity to survive and thrive”, she emphasized.
Through education, advocacy, and practical support, the StayAlive Campaign is committed to reducing preventable maternal and neonatal mortality, improving access to healthcare resources, and ensuring that every woman has the opportunity for a safe pregnancy and healthy newborn.
The Refreshing Spring Foundation also called on healthcare providers, government agencies, development partners, corporate organisations, and community leaders to support efforts to expand the campaign’s reach to more vulnerable communities across Nigeria.
