Rotary Nigeria actively engages in programs aimed at improving maternal and child health in the country. At a recent community initiative at LEA Primary School, Kuchingoro, Abuja, the Chairman of the International Group, Gordon McInally, announced funding to raise awareness on child and maternal health, particularly maternal mortality and neonatal.
It is crucial to understand that maternal mortality refers to the death of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth, or within 42 days of childbirth, a critical indicator of women’s overall health and well-being. The Rotary project, operational in six states across the country, aims to strengthen family well-being by providing women with reproductive and contraceptive counseling, while encouraging the participation of men in decision-making processes.
A key point of this project is to promote safe deliveries in clinics, in order to reduce unnecessary suffering and avoidable loss of life. Indeed, many women still give birth at home, where mortality rates are high.
Rotary has allocated $21 million to key partners in the global polio eradication initiative, including WHO and UNICEF. This amount helps support logistical operations, vaccine supply and surveillance of polio cases in communities.
Fighting polio remains a priority for Rotary, but the organization is now expanding its focus to tackle complications leading to maternal and infant mortality. It is essential to strengthen the capacity of health personnel, educate pregnant women on good practices and encourage deliveries in clinical settings.
In conclusion, Rotary Nigeria is fully invested in essential health programs to improve the lives of women and children across the country. These initiatives aim to reduce maternal and child mortality, thereby strengthening the social fabric and helping to build a healthier future for future generations.