The Rotary Club of Umuahia Golden has strengthened efforts to improve maternal and child healthcare by donating critical medical equipment to the Bende Primary Health Care Centre in Bende Local Government Area of Abia State.

President of the club, Rotarian Deborah Uche, said the donation reflects the Rotary Clubs’s enduring commitment to protecting the lives of mothers and children through practical humanitarian service.

She explained that the project followed a careful assessment of the health facility’s most pressing needs.

Equipment presented to the health centre included oxygen cylinders, an angle poise lamp, an electronic suction machine, a radiant warmer, and delivery forceps, all intended to strengthen emergency obstetric care and improve the survival chances of mothers and new-borns.

She said, “Nigeria’s persistently high rate of maternal and new-born deaths continues to demand urgent action from governments, development partners, and humanitarian organisations.

 “Nigeria accounts for one of the world’s highest burdens of maternal and neonatal mortality, with experts estimating that a Nigerian woman faces a lifetime risk of one in 19 of dying from pregnancy related causes, while hundreds of new-borns die every day from preventable complications.

 “Health advocates say expanding access to functional medical equipment at primary healthcare facilities remains one of the most effective ways of reversing the trend.”’

 She urged the management of the health centre to ensure that every item is properly documented, maintained, secured, and used solely for the benefit of patients.

 The Chairman of Bende Local Government Area, Mr Bassey Uwabunkeonye, expressed appreciation to Rotary International for sustaining projects that directly improve the wellbeing of communities.

 The LG boss, who was represented by the secretary to the Local Government, Okoroafor Oluchi, described the intervention as another demonstration of Rotary’s tradition of selfless service and community development.

 Also speaking, the Health Authority Secretary for Bende Local Government Area, Mrs Ihedigbo Glory, said the donated equipment would provide much needed support for healthcare workers and make childbirth safer for expectant mothers attending the facility.

 A health education session delivered by Rotarian Ezinne focused on healthy pregnancy practices and maternal wellbeing, encouraging women to embrace regular antenatal care and other preventive health measures that reduce pregnancy related complications.