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April is Maternal and Child Health. This theme brings up immediate emotions and reminds me of the quote “The true measure of a society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members”. The relationship between mother and child is one of nurturing - physically, emotionally and socially. When mothers are empowered and healthy, so are their families, which can lead to an alleviation of poverty, hunger, and with hope lead to longer, happier lives. In some parts of the world, gender-based discrimination leads to women getting substandard physical and mental healthcare, leading women to be more susceptible to all the issues poor health causes for them and those that depend on them. As Rotarians, we can play a role in helping mothers and children by providing high-quality resources, and access to those resources, to improve healthcare.
Every day mothers risk their lives giving birth and millions of children die each year from treatable, preventable causes. Each year around seven million children under the age of five die from preventable causes. Rotary’s mission includes recognizing the numbers of children at risk of malnutrition, poor health care and inadequate sanitation with an aim to reduce the rate of deals through immunizations and antibiotics, improved access to medical services, and supporting training for health care providers caring for mothers and their children.
Did you know that through The Rotary Foundation, Rotarians provide education, birth kits, cancer screens, mobile health clinics, and other healthcare service to vulnerable populations around the world? Our Foundation is doing amazing things with clubs in communities around the world. I encourage members to learn more about the specific difference being made through our Rotary Foundation contributions - I’m sure you will feel inspired.
* Stories about Rotarian service in the area of Maternal & Child Health — https://rotaryserviceblog.org/category/rotarys-areas-of-focus/maternal-child-health/
* Make a Donation through Rotary directed at Maternal & Child Health — https://www.rotary.org/en/our-causes/saving-mothers-and-children#page-content
Celebrate Rotary Maternal and Child Health Month with us, as we celebrate our commitment to improving the lives of mothers and babies around the world. May Rotary founder Paul Harris’ words be a reminder of why we, as Rotarians, take on such monumental tasks - “I believe we can change the world one life at a time.”
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