Rotary Club Supports 150 FCT Pregnant Women With Safe Delivery Kits

A total of 150 pregnant women in Kuchingoro community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have received safe delivery kits from the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside in its renewed effort to promote safe motherhood and reduce maternal and newborn deaths.

The intervention, carried out under the club’s “150 Safe Arrivals” initiative, is aimed at providing expectant mothers with essential childbirth materials while encouraging them to embrace healthy maternal practices.

During the outreach in Abuja, the president of the club, Vincent Ojonugwa  Ojomah, said the project reflected Rotary International’s commitment to improving maternal and child health, one of its seven areas of focus.

He said the club decided to intervene because many expectant mothers, particularly those in underserved communities, struggle to afford basic delivery materials needed for safe childbirth.

“Today, we are reaching out to 150 pregnant women in Kuchingoro with birthing kits containing essential items they will require during delivery. Our desire is that every beneficiary will experience a safe delivery and return home with a healthy baby,” he said.

Ojomah disclosed that the club has maintained a strong partnership with the Kuchingoro community since 2013, describing it as its adopted community where it has consistently implemented life-changing humanitarian projects.

According to him, the club has executed several interventions over the years, including educational support programmes, empowerment initiatives for widows and orphans, healthcare outreach and other community development projects aimed at improving the living conditions of residents.

The delivery kits distributed to the beneficiaries contained maternity pads, sanitary pads, baby oil, cord clamps and other basic items required during childbirth.

The Rotary president, however, identified inadequate funding as a major challenge facing the club’s humanitarian activities, noting that members personally contribute resources to finance most of its projects.

“The economy is difficult, but Rotary believes it is more blessed to give than to receive. Despite the prevailing challenges, we remain committed to serving humanity because every act of kindness makes a difference,” he stated.

Beyond maternal health interventions, Ojomah said the club recently organised a hepatitis awareness, screening and vaccination campaign in Zhidu, Mabushi and Jabi-Masalachi communities in the FCT.

He disclosed that more than 100 residents benefited from the first phase of the programme and would receive subsequent vaccine doses to guarantee full protection against the disease.

He urged pregnant women to attend antenatal clinics regularly, comply with medical advice, take prescribed medications and avoid harmful traditional practices that could endanger their lives and those of their babies.

He also encouraged nursing mothers to exclusively breastfeed their babies for the first six months of life, in line with global recommendations and activities marking World Breastfeeding Week.

“Breast milk contains all the nutrients a baby requires during the first six months of life. Mothers should follow the guidance of health professionals and practise exclusive breastfeeding during this period,” he advised.

Calling on more Nigerians to embrace community service, Ojomah described Rotary as a non-political and non-religious organisation that unites professionals and business leaders to provide sustainable solutions to societal challenges.

“Our Rotary theme this year is ‘Create Lasting Impact.’ We welcome people from every tribe, religion and profession to join us in making meaningful differences in our communities,” he said.

Some beneficiaries described the intervention as timely and impactful.

Mrs. Salina Johnson said the donation would reduce the financial burden of preparing for childbirth.

“I sincerely appreciate the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside for remembering us. These items will go a long way in helping us, and I pray God bless everyone who contributed to making this programme a success,” she said.

Another beneficiary, Favour Titus, also expressed gratitude to the club, describing the gesture as a welcome relief for expectant mothers and praying for God’s continued blessings upon the organisation and its members.