By: Ahmed Mohamed Kaikai
More than three dozen newborns and their mothers at the Bo Government Hospital benefited from a donation of essential maternal and newborn care items by the OBBA Centenarian Wives.
The presentation ceremony took place at the hospital’s Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and was attended by parents and guardians of newborns, alongside hospital staff and authorities.
Chairlady of the OBBA Centenarian Wives, Mariam Boima, explained that the initiative aimed to support newborns and postpartum mothers, particularly those experiencing financial difficulties. She revealed that the donation included packets of Pampers, wipes, lappa, baby clothes, bathing soap, laundry soap, White Tex, Dettol, razors, and other essential items.
Madam Boima noted that the items were procured through contributions from association members. “We raised funds through the support of our husbands and also from our personal earnings,” she said. She also called on other OBBA wives to unite and contribute meaningfully to addressing societal and developmental challenges. “We intend to make this an annual initiative, and next year’s donations will target other areas of need,” she added.
Vice President of the OBBA Centenarian Wives, Frances Konyaha Goba, emphasized that the donation was intended to ease the financial burden on mothers in neonatal care. “We want to reduce the pressure on mothers by providing essential baby items during this critical period,” she said.
A neonatal nurse at the Special Baby Unit (SBU), Columbia Samuella Cole, described the donation as timely, noting that some expectant mothers arrive at the hospital without basic delivery necessities. “Some women come for delivery without Pampers, clothes, and other baby essentials,” she said, expressing appreciation to the OBBA Centenarian Wives and praying for their continued success in similar initiatives.
One of the beneficiaries, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed heartfelt gratitude on behalf of other mothers. She described the donation as a significant relief and a demonstration of care for women and children facing challenges after childbirth. She also encouraged the public to support vulnerable mothers and children in hospitals.
OBBA Centenarian Wives is a group of women whose husbands belong to the Bo School Class of 2006 the centenary class that marked 100 years of Bo School. The group is committed to promoting social welfare, unity, and community development through regular charitable initiatives.