Preventive Healthcare Initiative (PHI) is a non-governmental organization dedicated to giving “Every Mother and Child” a healthy start .
Our Safe Motherhood and Child Survival (SMCS) Project provides evidence-based nutritional interventions aimed at enhancing maternal nutrition and preventing anaemia.
We recognize that adequate nutrition for a child, starting from the womb, is crucial for optimal physical and mental development. Healthy mothers are vital for healthy babies to thrive and reach their potential.
In addition to our core programs in maternal nutrition and anaemia prevention, we are committed to raising awareness and promoting advocacy around Sickle Cell Disease (SCD)—a critical but often neglected issue in rural communities.
Sickle cell disease is a significant but often overlooked contributor to maternal and child morbidity and mortality. Many individuals living with SCD, especially women and children, face chronic anaemia, limited access to diagnosis, and inadequate supportive care.
These challenges align directly with our core expertise in anaemia prevention and maternal health.
Our Thematic Areas
1) Maternal Nutrition & Anaemia Prevention
• Education of pregnant and lactating women on basic Nutritional and Hygiene
• Iron and micronutrient supplementation
• Deworming exercise for children
• Community-based health promotional activities
ii) Sickle Cell Disease Awareness & Advocacy
• Community-Based Education and Awareness Campaigns on SCD including Screening exercises
• Training for rural health workers on early detection and management
• Rural Health Workers in the early identification and management of SCD
• Advocacy for Newborn Screening and improved access to comprehensive care
• Integration of Nutritional Support for SCD Management
Maternal undernutrition is a critical issue in Nigeria, affecting About 6.9% of women of reproductive age (15–49 years) with 3.8 % severely malnourished (2018 NNHS) Undernutrition during pregnancy means that the maternal nutritional state is inadequate to support and achieve optimal health outcomes for herself, and the baby. Maternal malnutrition combined with anaemia negatively impact maternal health and child survival . During pregnancy, women with severe anaemia are more likely to experience life-threatening complications during or after child birth Moreover, babies born to mothers who are undernourished face serious health risks