The Rotary Foundation is intensifying efforts against malaria, diarrhoea, and pneumonia—Africa’s leading causes of child mortality—through its Rotary Healthy Community Challenge.
Mr. Holger Knaack, Chairman of the Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees, made the disclosure on Thursday in Abuja during a medical outreach, explaining that teams would move from community to community to address these diseases.
He added that the Foundation also prioritises maternal and child health through its Together for Healthy Families initiative, which ensures safe childbirth for mothers and babies.
Knaack reaffirmed Rotary’s commitment to global polio eradication, noting that although Africa has been free of wild poliovirus for five years, vaccination efforts must continue until the disease is eliminated worldwide.
ALSO READ: PASU urges African-centred psychology education
Ms. Ijeoma Okoro, Rotary Trustee, said the Foundation’s interventions have reduced maternal and child mortality by more than 28 per cent. She added that current projects in Ekiti, Nasarawa, the FCT, and Gombe are set to expand to 10 states by 2026.
Okoro emphasised the importance of community engagement, collaboration with traditional rulers, and media advocacy to raise awareness, reduce vaccine hesitancy, and ensure the sustainability of public health initiatives.
