The Rotary Foundation has commended the implementation of a programme to reduce maternal and child deaths as well as improve reproductive health in Nigerian communities.
The Chair of the Trustees of the Rotary Foundation, Mark Maloney, accompanied by his wife Gay, while making the commendation in an interview with the media at the project site visit, expressed encouragement and optimism about the programme’s progress.
He said, “Rotary International’s ‘Together for Healthy Families in Nigeria’ project has made significant strides in reducing maternal, child, and neonatal deaths in Nigeria.
“The project, part of the Rotary Foundation’s scale grant programme, aims to provide safe births and healthy lives for mothers and children.
“With a goal to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates by 25%, the initiative has already reached 2.3 million people with key messages and services.”
He added that the project under the leadership of Professor Dolapo will continue for another year, expanding to additional geographic areas.
“The ultimate goal is to hand over the project to the Nigerian government, ensuring its sustainability and indefinite continuation.”
Maloney also stressed the importance of supporting mothers worldwide, including those in Nigeria, to ensure safe births and healthy lives for their children.
“The Rotary Foundation’s efforts in Nigeria demonstrate the organisation’s commitment to improving healthcare outcomes and reducing mortality rates.”
“The project’s success can be attributed to the collaborative efforts of Rotary International, the Nigerian government, and local healthcare providers.”
“By working together, they have been able to provide essential healthcare services, including prenatal care, childbirth services, and postnatal care, to thousands of women and children.”
“In addition to providing healthcare services, the project has also focused on promoting healthy behaviours and practices among communities.
“This includes educating women and families about the importance of proper nutrition, hygiene, and disease prevention.”
“The project’s success serves as a model for other initiatives aimed at improving healthcare outcomes in Nigeria and around the world,” he said.
Earlier, the Country Director of Rotary-RMCH, Prof. Emmanuel Adedolapo Lufadeju, in his presentation, disclosed that Rotary collaborates with various partners, including the Nigerian government, healthcare providers, and community leaders.
“These partnerships enable us to leverage resources, expertise, and networks to achieve our goals.”
“The RMCH programme emphasises community-based initiatives, recognising that healthcare services are most effective when delivered at the local level.”
“The programme works with community health workers, traditional birth attendants, and other stakeholders to provide essential healthcare services.”
“The Rotary Club’s healthcare initiatives in Nigeria demonstrate the power of partnerships and community-based approaches in improving healthcare outcomes,” he added.
READ MORE FROM: NIGERIAN TRIBUNE
