As part of the initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa to impact lives in the community, the club embarked on a laudable awareness project to combat infant and child mortality in Nigeria.

In line with Rotary’s Area of Focus—The Rotary Maternal and Child Health Campaign—the project aimed to educate and sensitize healthcare professionals, caregivers, and community members on the best practices to reduce infant and child mortality rates.

The programme, which was well attended, was held simultaneously at three healthcare facilities in Lagos: Opebi Primary Healthcare Centre, Onigbongbo Primary Healthcare Centre, and the Beko Ransom Kuti Primary Healthcare Centre, Police College, Ikeja. It brought together women of reproductive age, mothers, grandmothers, expectant and nursing mothers, healthcare workers, nurses, midwives, caregivers, home carers, social workers, and aid workers. The event was designed to provide a platform for these professionals to share practical insights and expertise on ways to prevent infant and child mortality.

The campaign focused on the importance of proper antenatal care, safe delivery practices, and postnatal care for new mothers. Medical professionals also shared insights on how to identify and manage common health issues that can lead to infant and child mortality, such as malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea.

According to the president of the club, Irresistible President Rotarian Henry Akwara, “With this campaign, the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa is taking a bold step towards creating a healthier future for mothers and children, not only in our community but also in society at large. By empowering healthcare professionals and communities with practical insights and expertise, we can significantly contribute to reducing infant and child mortality rates.”

The guest speaker, Past President Rotarian Dr. Ruchi Singh Gaur of the Rotary Club of Jalandhar Helping Hands, District 3070, India, a women’s healthcare specialist, emphasized the need for early detection and treatment of these health issues. According to her, “If we can identify these problems early and provide proper treatment, we can significantly reduce infant and child mortality rates.”

The campaign also emphasised the importance of community engagement in preventing infant and child mortality. Mothers, caregivers, and home carers were educated on how to provide proper nutrition, hygiene, and care for newborns, as well as how to recognise signs of illness in children.

The Rotary Maternal and Child Health Campaign is just one of many initiatives undertaken by the Rotary Club of Ikeja-Alausa to promote the quality of life for the members of the community. The club’s efforts are part of its commitment to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 (SDG 3), which aims to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.