As Rotarians and the world are gearing up with activities to mark the World Polio Day on October 24th, the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow in District 9141 Nigeria kicked off with a significant community intervention with a donation of over 50 customized “End Polio Now” chairs to support the institution’s infrastructure.
The club also donated essential delivery kits for the well-being of new and expectant mothers at the Oginigba Community Healthcare Center in Obio-Akpor LGA, Rivers State.
The gesture, is part of Rotary International’s dual commitment to Disease Prevention and Treatment and maternal and child health.
The branded chairs, emblazoned with Rotary’s iconic “End Polio Now” message, will serve a dual purpose: providing comfort for patients and their families during immunization drives and acting as a constant visual reminder of the global Polio eradication effort within the community.
“These chairs are not just fancy furniture; they are a symbol of our relentless promise to see a world free from polio,” said Club President, Rtn. Grace, during the presentation. “Every time a mother sits here with her child for vaccination, she becomes part of this final push to consign this disease to history.” the club expressed.
The Club’s Polio Chair, Rtn Jessica Williams on her part said, the distribution of basic delivery kits to pregnant and nursing mothers is to provide crucial hygiene materials to help ensure a safer childbirth experience.
The donation was met with profound gratitude from the beneficiaries.
“I have been coming to this center for my antenatal care, and sometimes we had to stand while waiting,”.
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“These new chairs are a welcome comfort. And the delivery kit is a gift from God; it takes away a part of the financial stress and worry for my family.”said Blessing Okon, an expectant mother
Another beneficiary, Faith Alabi, a nursing mother, stated, “This shows that Rotary truly cares for us and our children. They are talking about ending a big disease like polio, but they also remember our immediate needs for a safe delivery. We are very grateful.”
The Matron of the health center, Nurse Tabu Evelyn, commended the Club for its holistic approach.
“This donation addresses two critical fronts. The ‘End Polio’ chairs will bolster our immunization campaigns by making the environment more welcoming, while the delivery kits directly contribute to reducing maternal and infant mortality. This is what sustainable support looks like.” Nurse Evelyn stated.
The World Polio Day outreach by the Rotary Club of Port Harcourt Odili Meadow highlights the organization’s enduring “Service Above Self” ethos, proving that the path to eradicating a global disease is paved with local, compassionate actions.
