By Marylovina Ezenekwe
Rotary and Rotaract Clubs in Anambra State on July 21, organised a maternal and child health outreach for pregnant women and nursing mothers at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Neni, in Anaocha Local Government Area.
The outreach, held as part of Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Month, featured health education sessions on maternal and infant care, proper nutrition, prenatal care, exclusive breastfeeding, immunisation, family planning, mental health, safe delivery, infant care and environmental hygiene.
Participants also received antenatal and postnatal gift packs, anti-malarial drugs, antibiotics, vitamins, pain relievers, antihypertensive drugs and other essential medical supplies. The clubs equally donated hospital equipment to strengthen maternal and child healthcare services at the facility.
Speaking at the event, the District Governor of Rotary International District 9142, Rtn. Chibuzo Hilary Asogwa, said maternal and child health remained one of Rotary’s seven areas of focus.
He said raising awareness on breastfeeding, proper maternal care and preventive healthcare was critical to reducing maternal and infant mortality and improving the well being of families.
According to Asogwa, the outreach underscores Rotary’s commitment to advancing maternal and child healthcare through community based interventions, health education and partnerships that improve access to quality healthcare services.
Also speaking, the traditional ruler of Neni, His Royal Highness Damian O. Ezeani (Igwe Ezeani Ugonabo), commended the Rotary clubs for bringing quality healthcare and essential medical support closer to the people.
Ezeani described Rotary as a lifesaving organisation whose interventions continue to make a positive impact on communities.
The outreach attracted past district governors, past and serving assistant governors, Rotarians, Rotaractors and healthcare professionals.
Marylovina Ezenekwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
