Rotary to tackle maternal mortality after end of Polio in Nigeria - Asst. Gov reveals

...as Ovwian club donates generator to health centre

By Elo Edremoda

Rotary International says it is poised to tackle the increasing rate of "unnecessary" mortality of women during childbirth, after marking the end of polio virus in Nigeria.

The Zone 6 Assistant Governor of District 9141, Rotn Clement Aboderin, stated this Thursday, August 16, when the Rotary Club of Ovwian, donated a Sumec Firman SPG400E2 gasoline engine generator to a Primary Health Centre (PHC), in Orhuwhorun, Udu council area of Delta state.

The event also saw the commissioning of two Polio Signposts, one at Mofor, off DSC Expressway, and the other at Usiefrun/Ogorode Junction, in the same community, by the Asst. Governor, to mark the imminent declaration of Nigeria as a Polio free country.

It will be noted that Rotary International has been at the forefront of the fight against Polio worldwide.

Speaking at the occasion, Rtn. Aboderin noted that although Rotary cannot meet all health challenges across the globe, one of its primary concern is childbirth and maternity care.

He added that as Nigeria will mark the eradication of polio soonest, "we will tackle the unnecessary mortality of women during childbirth".

Charging the health personnel to put the generator to good use, he encouraged them not to give in to the tough times and situation plaguing the nation.

"I want to urge you to make good use of it (generator). If you have any challenges, reach out to them. We are ready to collaborate with you. Needs that they cannot meet, they will get to the District. Don't be frustrated because we have a challenging society, just like people giving birth in darkness.

"When we give, we push ourselves, that is why what we are giving must be put to good use. If the tax we pay to government is been used judiciously, some people may not have to give," Aboderin said.

He further enjoined the health practitioners to devise a subtle means to sustain the fueling of generator.

He stated, "Fuelling the generator is going to be a challenge, so create a genuine means that won't be a form of extortion, that will benefit the needs of society.

On his part, President of the Rotary Club of Ovwian, Rotn. Jevi Eduzuka, stressed that the donation was part of the Club's humanitarian services and commitment to the improve living conditions of mankind.

Recalling a prior visit to the health centre where topmost among observations and requests made was the constant blackout in the facility, the president said, "to solve the power problem, we said we will provide you a generator.

He declared the club's readiness to partner with the Orhuworun Health Centre, noting that the Polio signpost installed in various locations is to raise awareness on the need for immunisation.

Rotn. Eduzuka further promised that come October 24, which is World Polio Day, his team will return to participate in the immunisation of the children at the Health Centre and proceed on a Polio Walk.

A former assistant governor, Rtn. Emmanuel Mukoro, explained that the generator will need to be adequately fuelled, checked for oil and serviced regularly to make it sustainable.
Head of the primary health centre, Mrs. Patience Abeyi, commended the gesture.

While assistant head of the PHC, Mrs. Alice Fuafogo described the donation as a "good work done for the health centre."

Those present at the event include the Project chairman, Rotarian Sam Aniaka, Rtn. Jonathan Akatakpo, Vice President, Rtn. Rose of Sharon Eyerengba, Secretary, Rtn. Chukwuemeka Okereafor, Polio Committee Chairman, Rtn. Moses Uparan, Rtn. Peter Okpikpi, among other Rotarians and staff of the PHC.