Across Nigeria today, 1 in every 4 women experiences Postpartum Depression (PPD) — a serious but under-discussed mental health condition that affects women shortly after childbirth. In Imo State, the burden is even heavier due to cultural stigma, misinformation, and lack of access to psychological support in public health systems.
Thousands of new mothers are suffering silently, believing they are alone in their emotional pain. Many are shamed into silence, unable to seek help or even name what they are going through.
At Firm Health Care Foundation, we believe no woman should suffer in silence after bringing life into the world.
To address this urgent and invisible crisis, we recently organized a dedicated health talk on Postpartum Depression at a public health facility in Owerri, Imo State, directly targeting women who had recently given birth.
Our goal? To educate, support, and restore dignity to mothers struggling with PPD.
Our team of mental health professionals, midwives, and trained facilitators delivered a compassionate and comprehensive outreach that included:
One-on-One Counseling
Private sessions with mothers who showed signs of emotional distress or exhaustion, offering them a safe space to speak and heal.
Interactive Health Talk
Educating mothers on the signs, stages, and impact of Postpartum Depression — and helping them understand that what they feel is real and treatable.
Peer Experience Sharing
Creating a circle of trust where women shared their stories, shattered stigma, and realized they were not alone.
Distribution of Resource Materials
Pamphlets and fliers detailing coping strategies, emotional support channels, and referral options.
Referrals for Ongoing Mental Health Care
Direct linkage to psychologists and clinics for mothers needing more structured support.
Impact in Numbers
The outreach created immediate, measurable impact:
- 62 postpartum women reached directly at the health facility
- 22 mothers self-identified as experiencing symptoms of PPD
- 100% reported improved understanding of emotional health
- 18 mothers enrolled in follow-up counseling and peer support groups
- 3 healthcare workers trained to identify and respond to signs of PPD
“I thought I was going crazy… but today I found out I’m not alone. I’m thankful.”
– New mother, Owerri Health Center
What They Said
“This is the first time someone has come here to talk about how we feel after birth. God bless you.”
– Midwife, Outreach Participant
Postpartum Depression doesn’t have to be a death sentence for mothers’ mental health — it’s preventable, treatable, and manageable, if the support systems are in place.
Firm Health Care Foundation is committed to expanding this initiative to all 27 LGAs in Imo State — and eventually across Nigeria. But we cannot do it alone.
We are calling on donors, philanthropic organizations, CSOs, development agencies, and mental health advocates to support this life-saving work.
- Train frontline health workers on PPD detection and referral
- Develop and distribute culturally relevant mental health materials
- Set up PPD support groups in health centers across Nigeria
- Provide professional counseling and follow-up care for vulnerable mothers
- Conduct community awareness campaigns to shatter stigma
Your partnership can help us:
We acknowledge and appreciate the work of Ford Foundation , Unicef Nigeria , WHO , UNFPA Nigeria , USAID Nigeria , MacArthur Foundation , Global Fund , wellbeingfoundationafrica , Open Society and others for supporting maternal mental health and reproductive justice.
But there is more to be done. And together, we can reach every mother in need.
Join the Movement
📞 Contact us at firmhealthcarefoundation.org/contact
💳 Donate or sponsor a PPD outreach: firmhealthcarefoundation.org/donate
📧 Email: info@firmhealthcarefoundation.org
Let’s give mothers more than survival — let’s give them wellness, wholeness, and joy.
