By Uzo Ugwunze
The Rotary Club (RC) of Onitsha Metropolis has successfully carried out its first major humanitarian project with comprehensive Maternal and Child Health Programme at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Neni, Anambra State.
The outreach, under the leadership of its 25th President, Rtn. Smart Chinedu Ezuma was organized in partnership with Rotary Clubs and Rotaract Clubs across the state in commemoration of Rotary International’s Maternal and Child Health Week.
Delivering a lecture titled “Healthy Mothers, Healthy Children: Building Strong Families Through Community Participation,” a medical practitioner, Dr. Ahoma Mbanuzuru educated participants on the importance of antenatal care, safe delivery, exclusive breastfeeding, childhood immunisation, proper nutrition, hygiene, family planning and disease prevention.
Speaking with news men after the outreach, Rtrn Ezuma said that the outreach was organised to improve health and wellbeing of mothers and children through health education, preventive healthcare and medical support.
He said the programme was the first major service project of his administration, reaffirming the club’s commitment to improving lives through sustainable humanitarian interventions.
According to Ezuma, the project was made possible through the collaboration of sixteen Rotary Clubs and Rotaract Clubs in the State, demonstrating the strength of partnership in addressing critical healthcare needs within communities.
He thanked Rotarians, Rotaractors, healthcare professionals, volunteers, donors and development partners whose support ensured the success of the initiative. He also appreciated individuals and organisations who attended his recent installation ceremony and purchased Charity Gate Passes.
“We will continue to implement programmes that promote quality healthcare, community development and sustainable humanitarian service throughout the 2026–2027 Rotary year, in line with Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” he said.
Pregnant women and nursing mothers received health education, professional counselling, essential medications and maternal care items.
Uzo Ugwunze is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation Anambra State
