In today’s world of egotism and economic fulfillment for oneself alone, it is uncommon to find people who are concerned with the wellbeing of others and who hardly cater to the needs of others. This rarity is prominent in Africa, particularly Nigeria, yet a small percentage of people, particularly women, are really concerned for the welfare of others; Abel Abigail David-Utah is one such woman. Mrs David-Utah is a writer, researcher, and creator of the Safe Delivery Movement who is of Nigerian descent.
She is a childbirth educator and the author of the book ‘I Am Not A Hebrew Woman All I Want Is Safe Delivery’.
Abigail is passionate about reducing the high maternal mortality during childbirth in Africa, which is why she wrote the book to educate individuals who would like to experience childbirth on what they need to know about pregnancy, child birthing methods, and recovery, including the postpartum phase, to help them make better decisions during delivery and reduce the high maternal/infant mortality worldwide.
She is also an anti-stigma champion who, through her book and movement, assists cesarean section mothers who have experienced public shaming/stigma as a result of their childbirth procedures to regain their confidence and share their story with the world.
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She is the host of the radio show Safe Child-Bearing Movement on ADN Radio, New York.
Safe Delivery Movement aims to reduce the high maternal mortality and stigma associated with cesarean mothers in Africa by educating individuals on childbirth and delivery techniques and empowering impoverished pregnant women through integrated grassroots and community outreach in rural and village settings.
The organisation has spent the last six months in the Northern part of Nigeria, where it has seen that the vast majority of pregnant women do not seek antenatal treatment at hospitals and health institutions.
They favour visiting traditional midwives. This is one of the primary causes of maternal and infant mortality, as some of these women commonly develop complications that prove fatal.
In addition, the majority of women there are unable to sustain their large families. As the vast majority of these women lack job or a business, this is also one of the leading causes of hunger. Some Almajiris (minors who beg) will be found on the street without appropriate attire and appearing malnourished.
Men are more concerned about marrying underage girls and teenagers, as well as older and more mature women, in order to have many children without adequately caring for them.
These adolescents face numerous obstacles during childbirth, and some lose their lives or their offspring. Because these women choose traditional midwives who provide low or no prenatal care, these fatalities are rarely reported.
Over the past month, we have been visiting health centres to increase awareness of the safe delivery movement and to encourage pregnant women to always visit the hospital for prenatal and other medical examinations.
On July 7, 2022, the Safe Delivery Movement gave infant apparel to pregnant moms at the Tabra Health Center in Biu, Borno State.
The midwives also received copies of Abel Abigail David-I Utah’s Am Not a Hebrew Woman, All I Want Is Safe Delivery, which had been purchased and contributed to by a number of individuals.
As a result of the apparel and birthing equipment supplied prior to the 7th of July outreach program, more pregnant women visited the clinic.
Mrs. David-Utah is doing a great deal through her foundation, and Africa Daily News, New York is using this opportunity to invite the public to donate money or other resources to assist her accomplish even more. Her direct phone number is +234 803 841 1663.
