The Rotary E-Club of Omole Golden Impact, part of Rotary International District 9111, recently conducted a focused fellowship session regarding maternal and child health. The event featured Past District Governor Adeniji Raji, mni, as the primary speaker.
Discussions centered on the persistent issue of preventable maternal and child deaths in Nigeria. The country remains a significant contributor to global mortality statistics, driven by factors such as limited healthcare infrastructure, malnutrition, malaria, and gaps in antenatal care. The assembly identified three critical delays as major barriers: the time taken to seek medical help, the time spent traveling to facilities, and the time required to receive treatment once there.
Participants highlighted that many Primary Health Centres suffer from a lack of essential equipment, reliable electricity, and clean water. To combat these challenges, the club emphasized the necessity of community education on birth preparedness and family planning. Furthermore, the role of Traditional Birth Attendants was examined, with a consensus that training and linking these individuals to formal health centers could improve referral outcomes for complicated cases.
Data management emerged as another priority, with the club advocating for systems like the NOGA Network to better track health outcomes. The Rotary E-Club of Omole Golden Impact declared that their commitment to this cause extends beyond the designated Rotary Maternal and Child Health Month, pledging to sustain advocacy and service projects throughout the year.
Proposed actions include partnering with community leaders to upgrade health facilities, implementing training for health workers, and providing supplies such as mosquito nets. President Rtn. Adedoyin Adedeji noted that the club aims to ensure all projects are based on thorough needs assessments to maximize their impact on families and the broader community.