By Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Bolgatanga, July 1, GNA – The Angel Care Foundation, in partnership with the Dr Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Foundation, has launched the Angel Care Newborn Blanket Initiative in the Upper East Region to improve maternal and newborn care and support vulnerable children.
The initiative seeks to ensure that every newborn receives a blanket at birth as a symbol of love, dignity and care. It forms part of a broader campaign to strengthen maternal and child health systems across Africa.
As part of the launch, the partners donated 500 specially designed baby blankets in Pan-African colours to selected health facilities and child welfare institutions, including the Mother and Baby Unit of the Martyrs of Uganda Health Centre and the Mother of Mercy Baby’s Home in Sirigu.
They also provided baby cots to the Martyrs of Uganda Health Centre, and donated food and non-food items such as rice, cooking oil, bottled water, diapers, detergents, soaps and toys to the Mother of Mercy Baby’s Home.
Speaking at the presentation, Dr Olivia Tchanque, Founder of the Angel Care Foundation, said the initiative was inspired by the Virgin Mary in the Bible, with the aim of ensuring every child in Africa is welcomed into the world with warmth, love and dignity.
She said the blankets symbolise compassion and care for newborns while also promoting African identity through Pan-African colours.
“The moment a baby is born in the hospital, we wrap that baby in the blanket. It signifies love, care and dignity for every child.
“Our target is to reach all hospitals in Ghana within this year and, over the next five years, distribute one million blankets across Africa,” she said.
Ms Jessica O’Hara, Global Health Consultant for the Angel Care Foundation, said the partnership reflects a shared commitment to improving healthcare, education and child welfare.
She noted that while the blanket initiative is symbolic, it also serves as an entry point to address broader maternal and newborn health challenges.
“There is a great need for more attention to maternal and newborn health across Africa. This blanket is symbolic in many ways, but our vision is to expand into other needs-based interventions,” she said.
She added that future support could include neonatal intensive care equipment and other critical medical supplies based on identified needs and praised healthcare workers for their dedication despite resource constraints.
“I was struck by the resilience of the doctors, nurses and patients. They are doing the best with what they have, and we are here to collaborate with them to strengthen the healthcare system,” she said.
Mr Moses Bamidele, Board Secretary of the Dr Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Foundation, said the outreach forms part of the Foundation’s commitment to supporting the less privileged.
He said the collaboration demonstrates how partnerships can improve healthcare delivery and the welfare of mothers, newborns and vulnerable children.
The Angel Care Foundation, founded by Dr Olivia Tchanque, a Cameroonian pharmacist based in the United States, works alongside the Dr Kenneth Elvis Anewenah Foundation, which focuses on health, education and humanitarian support in Ghana.
The two foundations said they will continue collaborating with health institutions and development partners to strengthen maternal and child healthcare systems and support vulnerable communities across the country.
Beneficiary institutions commended the initiative, saying it had restored hope to the less privileged and underscored the importance of supporting maternal and child well-being.
GNA
Edited by Caesar Abagali/ Audrey Dekalu
Writer: Anthony Adongo Apubeo
Email: [email protected]