Not fewer than 100 pregnant women in the Kuchingoro community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), on Wednesday, received safety-delivery kits, infant beds, mosquito nets and other items donated to them by the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside.
The gesture was part of the community service projects by the humanitarian organisation, targeted at making positive impact in the lives of the vulnerable people.
The club also visited General Hospital at the Kuje Area Council to identify patients who were unable to pay their medical bills and offered financial assistance to them.
President of Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, Amobi Tobechuckwu Ogum, said the club decided to provide support to pregnant women, mothers, and families in Kuchingoro, which is one of their adopted communities.
“We are committed to touching our communities, having fun, and leaving them better than we met them. We will continue to identify their needs as they arise and provide support wherever possible.
“The club’s ‘100 Safe Arrivals’ project aims to reach 200 pregnant women and has already made provisions for 120. We have also provided support to over 100 pregnant women in the past and plan to continue the efforts,” he said.
Ogum further said that the Club is dedicated to making a difference in the lives of people living in rural communities, thereby inviting like-minded individuals to join them in their mission.
Similarly, the Assistant Governor and the Project Chair of the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, Chinwe Madubuike, explained that the project, which aligned with Rotary’s designated month for maternal and child health, aims to provide essential support to expectant mothers and new babies.
“The club conducted a needs assessment and identified key areas of focus, including basic medical tests and the donation of “mama kits” containing essential items for new mothers. These kits include items like sanitary pads, baby clothes, and other necessities.
“In addition, the club is providing financial assistance to indigenous women who cannot afford hospital bills, totalling N500,000. The project is part of the club’s annual outreach efforts in the community.
“The Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside’s commitment to maternal and child health demonstrates the dedication to making a positive impact in their community,” she said.
Meanwhile, the District Chair of Maternal and Child Health for District 9127, Rotn. Lovina Okorn emphasised the significance of Rotary’s focus on reducing infant and maternal mortality rates.
Okorn stressed that Rotary aims to decrease these rates by 25 per cent in the next three years as she acknowledged that despite these efforts, some pregnant women still neglect antenatal care and other essential health services.
She, therefore, advised continuous advocacy, education, and support to address this issue as she commended the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside for their dedication to supporting primary health care centres and vulnerable communities.
