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Hello Rotarians,
This month, as Rotary recognizes our area of focus on Maternal and Child Health, we are reminded that one of the greatest gifts we can give is the chance for every mother and every child to thrive.
In 2024, an estimated 4.9 million children under the age of five died, most from preventable and treatable causes. Nearly half of those deaths, 2.3 million, occurred during the first 28 days of life, the most vulnerable period for a newborn.
Rotary has learned that while access to healthcare is essential, it is the quality of that care—and the skill and training of healthcare providers—that often makes the greatest difference in saving lives. As a father and grandfather, I understand the importance of knowing that the women and children we love have access to compassionate, high-quality healthcare delivered by well-trained professionals.
An example of how The Rotary Foundation worked to address this problem is a Program of Scale initiative that was undertaken to provide training for Nigerian health workers in emergency obstetrics and neonatal care. Mindful of cultural differences, health workers were also trained in respectful maternity care, which emphasizes the rights of women, children, and their families, while honoring the needs, rights, and traditions of each community.
Your generosity enables Rotary to provide the necessary assistance to those in need by fostering healthier communities and thereby “Creating Lasting Impact.”
Yours in Rotary Service,
Bo Norton
District Governor
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