Micronutrient Supplementation and Natural Local Alternatives for Maternal and Child Health.

In its ongoing mission to improve health and well-being at the grassroots level, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Cosmopolitan carried out a meaningful outreach program titled:
“Micronutrient Supplementation and Natural Local Alternatives for Maternal and Child Health.”

This initiative was designed to raise awareness, offer practical health education, and provide essential micronutrients to vulnerable groups, especially pregnant women, nursing mothers, infants, and the elderly in underserved communities. The outreach took place in the Ogbunabali community of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, and directly served 55 individuals, spanning various age and gender groups.

The primary objectives of the outreach were:

  • To educate mothers and families about the importance of micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) in preventing malnutrition and boosting immune systems.

  • To introduce locally available natural food sources rich in essential micronutrients.

  • To directly distribute supplements and useful gifts to participants to improve health outcomes.

  • To promote community-level preventive health strategies, particularly among pregnant and nursing women.

The response from the Ogbunabali community was overwhelmingly positive. A few highlights:

  • Pregnant women expressed gratitude for the supplements and new knowledge about local food options.

  • Nursing mothers appreciated the child-focused advice and were eager to try local nutrition combinations like pap fortified with moringa or groundnuts.

  • Elderly participants were thankful for the recognition and inclusion, often overlooked in such health campaigns.

  • Community leaders requested for regular health outreach programs and even suggested a possible monthly maternal clinic support collaboration.