The Angel Care Foundation has launched a newborn blanket initiative aimed at ensuring that babies are wrapped in a blanket immediately after birth as a symbol of love, care, and dignity.
The initiative was presented in the Upper East Region, Ghana, on June 28 as part of a broader programme that the Foundation plans to expand across the African continent over the next five years.
Dr. Olivia Tchanque, Founder of the Angel Care Foundation, said the initiative seeks to promote dignity for newborn babies from the very first moments of life while encouraging a culture of care for children.
“We want babies to be wrapped in a blanket immediately after they are born as a sign of love, care, and dignity,” she said.
According to her, the project is inspired by a desire to ensure that every child receives a dignified welcome at birth, regardless of background or circumstance.
She said the Foundation intends to work with hospitals and partner organisations to ensure that newborn babies receive the blankets immediately after delivery.
“Our target is to reach hospitals across Ghana within this year,” she said. “Our goal in the next five years is to distribute one million blankets across Africa.”
Dr. Tchanque explained that the blankets, designed in Pan-African colours, are intended to represent unity and a shared commitment to the well-being of children across the continent.
Jessica O’Hara, Global Health Consultant for the Angel Care Foundation, said the initiative is being rolled out in partnership with health institutions and community organisations to improve maternal and newborn care.
She said about 500 newborn blankets have been brought to Ghana as part of the initial phase of the programme.
“This is not just about handouts,” she said. “We are working with institutions to understand their needs and support sustainable solutions that improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.”
Ms. O’Hara said the Foundation’s broader vision extends beyond blanket distribution to supporting interventions that address challenges affecting mothers and newborn babies.
She noted that the Foundation hopes to work with health facilities to identify priority needs, including equipment and other forms of support that could strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services.
As part of the rollout, demonstrations were conducted at health facilities to show mothers and healthcare workers how newborn babies can be properly swaddled immediately after birth.
She said the Foundation was encouraged by the commitment of healthcare workers it encountered during the visit and expressed optimism about building long-term partnerships to support maternal and child health.
The Angel Care Foundation said the blanket initiative forms part of its wider efforts to promote newborn wellbeing, strengthen healthcare partnerships, and improve maternal and child health outcomes across Africa.
A1Radioonline.com|101.1Mh|Simon Ayamdoo|Sirigu
