Felicia Henderson plans big for expectant mothers
As Managing Director of Kesma J International Resources Ltd, Felicia is an American-born International Business woman cum Nollywood actress who loves singing, reading, traveling, and helping the less privileged.
Although the multi-talented entrepreneur, actress, activist and philanthropist was not born in Nigeria, she is passionate about the wellbeing and welfare of the great Nation which she has since adopted as her home.
She has championed the cause of delivering Clean Birth Kits in a bid to tackle the high rate of death and infection in newly delivered mothers and babies. The beautiful mother of five under the umbrella of her NGO, The Way Foundation (True Help and Empowerment for Women and Aspiring Youth) in collaboration with Traffina Foundation would be delivering 50,000 kits to indigenous pregnant women by the year 2015 in essence touching at least 100,000 lives.
The unveiling of the Clean Birth Kit Initiative which would take place on Saturday, March 29, 2014 at Sheraton Hotel, Abuja would be first of its kind in Nigeria.
Shedding more light on her plans, the strong-willed widow, emphasized that it is not just about delivering the Clean Delivery Kits to the women but also an intensive education on how to take proper care of themselves, as well as their newborns.
“My prayer is that one day my NGO will be recognized as one of the most transparent and result orientated NGOs not just in Nigeria but world wide. This initiative was formed based on the astounding number of women and babies we lose daily to preventable infections. So we have taken over the cause in order to address the issues of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity and some of its easily addressed drivers in hopes of seeing a more productive, long term response. If we can find cost effective solutions to simple issues, I believe we can create a sustainable drive. These Women need consistent assistance so we can't afford to dwindle out as there are so many lives to touch".
"Our goal is to deliver 50,000 kits to indigenous women and so far we have been able to reach 3,000+. These kits include everything a woman will need for a clean delivery. We also educate with delivery of the kits not just the mothers, but the health workers or village midwives and their support system where possible. We also offer follow up support in various areas to keep up with our mommies and babies".
"The kits are very affordable, in fact they cost less than what you would spend going out for lunch or drinks with friends after work. We are still soliciting for donors in order to reach other women in rural areas. We make sure we personally handover the kits to the mothers to ensure that the system isn't abused by workers in clinics and hospitals and that every woman we touch has what she needs to deliver safely and with dignity".
"Kits can also be donated in memoriam of someone which is a great way to remember a cherished one.
Depending on the kits donated, we offer various forms of acknowledgement and recognition which I am happy to discuss further with those who are genuinely interested,” she said.