The Wellbeing Foundation Africa (WBFA) proudly participated in the 2025 Virtual International Day of the Midwife (VIDM) Conference, a 24-hour global gathering that brought together midwives, students, and maternal health advocates to exchange ideas, celebrate achievements, and spotlight challenges in the profession. The conference, which was held on the 3rd of May 2025, offered a space to elevate voices from across the world, and WBFA’s inclusion reflected the balanced contribution from Nigeria’s maternal and newborn health landscape.
Representing WBFA at the global event were Mrs. Eunice Iluobe Akhibge, WBFA’s Digital Midwifery Lead, and Mr. Ridwan Abdulsalam, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer from the Office of Her Excellency Toyin Saraki. Their presentation focused on “Neonatal Jaundice and NICU Care: Prevention, Management, and the Impact of Myths on Healthcare-Seeking Behaviour.” Drawing on WBFA’s experience from the field, they highlighted the clinical realities of managing neonatal jaundice in Nigeria, the gaps in NICU access, and how cultural myths continue to delay timely care. Their session encouraged global stakeholders to understand the social dynamics surrounding NNJ and how they influence outcomes for vulnerable newborns.
The presentation also highlighted WBFA’s community-based model, where midwives serve as caregivers, educators and advocates within families. Emphasis was placed on the need for respectful, informed care that considers both medical protocols and the cultural environment in which they are applied. By sharing these practical insights from Nigerian communities, WBFA contributed to a broader understanding of how grassroots health education and system strengthening can reshape newborn survival, especially in resource-limited settings.
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