Dr. Dele Balogun, the Rotary Country Committee Lead in Nigeria for the Rotary Healthy Communities Challenge (RHCC), on Wednesday, stated that Rotary International would apply the lessons learned from its successful polio eradication campaign to address malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea through the RHCC, a programme aimed at improving health outcomes in sub-Saharan Africa.
Speaking during a courtesy visit to the Paramount Ruler of ONNA LGA, Edidem Raymond T. Inyang, and the Paramount Ruler of Oruk Anam LGA, Akuku (Engr.) J.J. Obosi, along with their traditional council members, Dr. Balogun said Rotary International, in collaboration with the Rotary Foundation and with support from the Gates Foundation and PATH—its implementing partners for the RHCC—would enhance community health systems through the programme.
Also through the RHCC programme, Balogun emphasised that health workers would be equipped to deliver essential services that will significantly reduce childhood mortality from malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea, beginning in Akwa Ibom and Kebbi States.
He stated, “We are here because of our success in eradicating polio across Nigeria, Africa, and much of the world. Now, we aim to tackle malaria, pneumonia, and diarrhea—three diseases that disproportionately affect children under five, who are the most vulnerable.”
He explained that the pilot project will begin in six local government areas in Akwa Ibom and Kebbi States, selected based on federal government data.
Within these areas, the Country Committee Lead said 5-6 wards have been identified for a house-to-house campaign to educate families about these preventable diseases.
“We will ensure that children visit primary health centers for immunizations against these diseases and that pregnant women receive care to ensure healthy deliveries,” he added.
Dr. Balogun also highlighted the importance of strengthening the primary healthcare system and improving data collection to manage the expected increase in visitors to health centers, adding that households in the targeted wards have been marked and numbered to facilitate volunteer supervision.
He assured that testing and treatment for children who test positive would be provided free of charge, with trained volunteers carrying test kits and medications. He urged traditional leaders to support the programme for its successful implementation.
In their remarks, Edidem Raymond Inyang of ONNA and Akuku Obosi of Oruk Anam expressed their gratitude to Rotary for the initiative and pledged their support.
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