-Precious Ahiakwo-Ovie
In a move to reduce one of the contributory factors of mother and child deaths during delivery, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt has reached out to sixty indigent pregnant mothers with free delivery kits at the Adanta Healthcare Center, Isiokpo, Rivers State.
A statistics by the World Health Organization indicated that in rural areas, 38 percent of women made at least 4 antenatal care (ANC) visits compared to 75 percent in urban areas.
This, the President of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Chika Ohagba, said inspired the club in partnership with the Eloka Tasie-Amadi Foundation to distribute the delivery kits to the pregnant women in the area to encourage them to visit the Primary Health Care center for their Ante-Natal Care, so them and their babies can be safe during and after delivery.
The Rotary President of one of the oldest Rotary Clubs in the South South Region, Rtn Chika Ohagba who led members of the club on a surprise visit to the pregnant women said “we distributed 60 Bags of Delivery/mama’s kits, treated mosquito nets and Ankara wrappers to pregnant women of Isiokpo community in partnership with the Eloka Tasie-Amadi Foundation. As Humanitarians, giving our Time, Talent & Treasure should be our utmost priority, as it directly impacts our community.
“Rotary is committed to executing projects in all seven Rotary areas of focus, including protecting mothers and children, promoting peace, fighting diseases, supporting education, growing our local economy, and protecting the environment. We are honored to have the Director of Rivers State Emergency Medical Services, Dr. Sylvanus Ojum, a Club member, share crucial advice with pregnant women here too.”
On her part, Director of Projects, of the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt, PAG Adaure Odu, expressed joy in seeing the project’s positive impact on the pregnant mothers. She reiterated that “this humanitarian service is what Rotary is known for, and it aligns perfectly with Rotary’s theme for 2023-2024, “Create Hope in the World.” ,
“The success of this noble project was due to the support and dedication of the Club members, the Rotaract Club of Elelenwo, and Rupokwu, who all played a pivotal role in making this initiative a reality.”
She urged them to seek proper medical advice, attend antenatal clinics, and avoid patronising quacks to safeguard their health and the well-being of their babies.
The pregnant mothers who benefited from the gesture were elated and expressed their gratitude, sharing how the gifts relieved them from the financial and mental stress they were experiencing due to the inability to afford essential delivery items.
According to the Club Public Image Chair, Rtn Heather Momoh “Their smiles and heartfelt appreciation demonstrated the power of Rotary’s commitment to creating hope and touching lives. We are immensely thankful to our valued partners, the Eloka Tasie-Amadi Foundation, for their generous support and collaboration in making this project a resounding success. To all non-Rotarians reading this, we extend an invitation to join the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt. Together, we can create hope in the world and make a lasting impact on the lives of those in need”, he said.
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