…Sensitises mothers on BCG vaccination, conducts free malaria tests in Iwo
By Wuraola Oyedokun
In a renewed push to curb maternal and child mortality, the Rotary E-Club of One Nigeria has donated essential medical supplies to Isale Oba Primary Health Centre, Iwo, Osun State, while sensitising pregnant women and nursing mothers on the importance of routine immunisation, particularly the Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine.
The intervention, carried out in collaboration with the Habibat Iwo Community Food Bank Initiative, focused on disease prevention, treatment and strengthening grassroots healthcare delivery. Items donated included maternity birth kits, bedspreads, drugs, malaria test kits, deworming tablets, health education materials, nameplates and way-finding signs.
Speaking at the event, the Chairperson of the Planning Committee on Maternal and Child Health, Rotarian Alimat Ololade Giwa, said the project was designed to support primary healthcare facilities in preventing avoidable deaths during childbirth and the nursing period.
“This initiative reflects our commitment to improving maternal and child health at the community level, where the need is greatest,” she said.
Also addressing participants, the Chairperson of the club’s Disease Prevention and Treatment Committee stressed the importance of vaccine compliance among pregnant women and nursing mothers, with special emphasis on the BCG vaccine to protect children against tuberculosis later in life.
In his keynote address, the President of the Rotary E-Club of One Nigeria, Rotarian Ajagun Maam, described Rotary as a service-driven organisation dedicated to giving hope and supporting humanity.
“Our presence here today is part of a broader mission to reach more communities and health centres with life-saving interventions,” he said, adding that the donated materials would enhance care for expectant mothers and children.
A medical consultant from Central Hospital, Iwo, Dr Owolabi Aleem, delivered a health lecture highlighting the importance of timely immunisation for children. He urged mothers to ensure their babies receive all recommended vaccines and advised pregnant women and nursing mothers to take approved vaccines to prevent cervical cancer and other related diseases. He also emphasised proper genital hygiene as a key measure in reducing infections.
Commending the initiative, a community leader, Alhaji Adeeso, described the intervention as timely and laudable, urging women in the community to take full advantage of the healthcare services and education provided.
The Matron of the health centre, Mrs Oyetunde Oladoyini, expressed appreciation to the Rotary E-Club for selecting the facility, noting that the donated materials would significantly improve service delivery.
Highlights of the programme included the distribution of maternity kits, administration of free malaria tests and medications, deworming of children and distribution of uncooked food items to beneficiaries.
The Rotary E-Club of One Nigeria reiterated its commitment to sustained humanitarian service, accountability and continuity in communities across the country.
