In a remarkable show of commitment to community health, the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, in collaboration with Nurse Hub Africa, the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria (IHVN), and E-Clinic & Diagnostics Ltd, carried out a comprehensive Maternal and Child Health outreach alongside Hepatitis B screening, immunization, and treatment in the Kuchingoro community of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
The impactful outreach was held in commemoration of both World Hepatitis Day and International Breastfeeding Week, and was led by the District Governor of Rotary International District 9127, Dame (Dr.) Princess Joy Nky Okoro, whose presence inspired great enthusiasm and lent significance to the event.
This multi-faceted outreach, attracted between 80 to 120 residents, took place at the Chief’s Palace for the Hepatitis project in Kuchingoro, an adopted community of the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside.
The initiative focused primarily on Maternal and Child Health, featuring sessions on antenatal care, breastfeeding, HIV testing, breast cancer self-examination, and the prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) was done in their Health Center.
Health talks were delivered by the Federal Ministry of Health and E-Clinic & Diagnostics Ltd, centering on maternal wellness and breastfeeding best practices.
As part of the outreach, over 50 women received customized birthing kits, treated mosquito nets, and other essential maternal items, contributing to safer births and improved hygiene. Remarkably, two babies were born at the Kuchingoro clinic that same morning, further underscoring the urgency and relevance of maternal support.
Following the maternal health activities, attention shifted to the Hepatitis Zero World Eradication Project, where over 100 residents were screened for Hepatitis B and C, and eligible individuals began their first dose of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Referrals were provided for those who tested positive, and a follow-up for the second dose is scheduled in one month.
President of the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside, Rotarian Caroline Achieng Morah, emphasized the importance of the dual intervention.
“Today’s outreach combines two powerful global health campaigns. Maternal and Child Health, and the fight against Hepatitis B. It’s part of our commitment to holistic community care,” she said.
Morah explained that those who test negative are eligible for a three-dose vaccination, while those who test positive are referred for further treatment.
“Hepatitis B is a silent killer that attacks the liver. We urge everyone to get screened, vaccinated, and stay protected,” she noted.
The outreach was fully sponsored by the Rotary Club of Abuja Jabi Lakeside and its partners, without any external funding.
“Rotary is about service above self. We are committed to improving lives in Kuchingoro and beyond, especially among women, children, and vulnerable groups,” Morah added.
The Chief of Kuchingoro, Ibrahim Wambi, expressed heartfelt appreciation to the Rotary Club and its partners for their continuous support.
“Your efforts are changing lives. May God bless you all abundantly,” he said, calling on the government and other agencies to emulate such impactful community engagement.”
