Bolgatanga: In a heartwarming gesture of compassion and community spirit, the Union of May Borns (UMABO) has donated hygiene items to 69 babies born in the month of May across four hospitals in the Upper East Region. The beneficiary hospitals included the Upper East Regional Hospital in Bolgatanga, Bongo District Hospital, Zebilla District Hospital, and Amiah Hospital. The donation formed part of the Union’s annual philanthropic initiative aimed at celebrating life and giving back to society during the month of May.
According to Ghana News Agency, the donated items, which included baby diapers, solid and powder soap, and other essential hygiene products, were distributed to new mothers to support the health and well-being of their newborns. Ms. Joyceline Adoosey Abiire, Global Vice President of the Union, expressed that the gesture was their way of expressing gratitude and sharing joy with fellow May-borns, especially newborns and their families. “We have been doing this for several years now, we believe that giving back to society is one of the ways to express our gratitude to God for the life He has given us,” she said.
Ms. Abiire also emphasized the importance of promoting good hygiene practices from birth to reduce infections and ensure the healthy growth of babies. Health officials at the beneficiary hospitals commended the Union of May Borns for their thoughtful donation, noting that such acts of kindness go a long way to support mothers, especially in underserved communities. The mothers also expressed joy at the gesture and noted that it would be put into good use to ensure the babies were safe.
The Union hopes to extend the initiative to more hospitals in the coming years as part of its commitment to touching lives and strengthening community bonds. Established in 2011, UMABO comprises individuals born in the month of May who have decided to organize themselves and undertake social activities in the month of May annually. The Union, which currently has a total membership of 182, has a Constitution guiding its operations, which also mandates each member to pay dues and contribute towards humanitarian activities each year.
In 2021, the Constitution was amended to ensure that the Union focused on engaging in community exercises such as blood donation, donation of hygiene items to babies born on the 31st of May each year, as well as cleanup exercises. The Union also organizes fun games with other groups in society to build social cohesion and enhance unity. All the activities of the Union have been financed by voluntary contributions of members.