Uzo Achebe, a Rutgers School of Public Health student, was recently honored for her maternal health work by New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy.
Achebe was honored in March as part of Women’s History Month with a proclamation from the Governor that highlighted her achievements, advocacy, and recent testimony to the State of New Jersey on a Doula Access Bill written by First Lady Tammy Murphy. Achebe’s testimony helped unanimously pass the bill.
Achebe is a maternal health program supervisor for The Children’s Home Society of New Jersey, which is embedded in Capital Health Systems. Her program is called Safer Childbirth Cities, where she works with clinicians and providers to ensure that the basic needs of pregnant people are met. Achebe is also a Community-Based Doula, trained by Health ConnectOne.
“I am honestly so humbled to be recognized for my love and passion: maternal health,” says Achebe, who is a Master of Public Health student in the Department of Urban-Global Public Health. “As a public health practitioner, I remain devoted to ensuring equitable birth outcomes for all pregnant people. I have a deep amount of respect and reverence for all the doulas, midwives, L&D nurses, doctors, community health workers, and countless maternal health stakeholders that have tirelessly advocated for the rights of birthing people. Not only do I get to work alongside them everyday, but they serve as inspiration for me to continue the work I am doing now. There is still much to be done.”
Using her public health background and current work in maternal health, Achebe is looking to pursue a career in obstetrics and gynecology as a physician.