International Women’s Day: JCI Continental Lagos spotlights postpartum depression

…calls for stronger maternal mental health support

As conversations around women’s health continue to gain global attention, JCI Continental Lagos has called for increased awareness and stronger support systems for mothers experiencing postpartum depression.

The organisation made this call during a virtual event held on March 8, 2026, to commemorate International Women’s Day, with a focus on postpartum depression (PPD), a condition experts say remains underdiagnosed and widely misunderstood, particularly in developing countries.

The two-hour session brought together healthcare professionals and community members to examine the emotional, medical, and psychological dimensions of maternal mental health, while encouraging early intervention and open conversations.

JCI Continental Lagos President, JCIN. Amb. Oluwatosin Lemo delivered the keynote address, emphasising the need for intentional advocacy and community-based support for maternal mental health. The project was coordinated by the Director of Projects and Community Development, Yetunde MofeToluwa Aransiola, while the Project Chairman, Pharmacist Miracle Ojedayo, moderated the session.

Speaking at the event, Nurse Bukola Vessel Oni, a maternal health practitioner, explained that postpartum depression goes beyond the commonly experienced “baby blues,” stressing that while the latter is temporary, PPD can persist and significantly affect a mother’s wellbeing if left untreated.

“Early identification of symptoms is crucial. Support systems, including families and community groups, play a major role in helping mothers recover,” she said.

Dr. Mayowa Adegoke, a general practitioner, highlighted the need to avoid comparing pregnancy and postpartum experiences, noting that such comparisons can increase emotional pressure on new mothers.

“Every pregnancy journey is unique. Partners must also play an active role by providing emotional and physical support during this period,” she said.

Offering a mental health perspective, Dr. Josephine Akpolile, a psychiatrist with the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), emphasised the importance of timely medical intervention and adequate rest.

“Mothers should seek help as soon as symptoms appear. Early treatment and professional support significantly improve outcomes,” she said, adding that access to maternity leave and a supportive environment are critical to recovery.

In addition to expert presentations, the event featured personal experience-sharing sessions, where participants spoke about their postpartum journeys. These contributions provided real-life context to the discussions and helped reduce stigma around maternal mental health challenges.

One participant noted that recovery from postpartum depression does not follow a fixed timeline, encouraging mothers to prioritise self-care and patience during the healing process.
Organisers said the programme recorded strong engagement, with participants gaining deeper understanding of key issues such as early symptom recognition, the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, and the role of family support systems.

To expand its impact, JCI Continental Lagos deployed social media campaigns and digital outreach strategies, using flyers, videos, and WhatsApp broadcasts to drive participation and extend awareness beyond the event.

The initiative, according to the organisers, reflects the organisation’s commitment to community development and health advocacy, particularly in addressing issues affecting women and families.

As the event concluded, participants were urged to sustain the conversation on maternal mental health, support affected mothers, and contribute to building a more inclusive and responsive healthcare environment.