Rotaract Clubs push for safer pregnancy, healthier childhoods through awareness

Promoting Safer Pregnancy and Childbirth

The Rotaract eClub of the Commonwealth, in partnership with the Rotaract eClub of Ibadan Pacesetter, has advocated for increased awareness, early antenatal care, and improved access to skilled maternal healthcare services. These measures are identified as critical interventions to prevent disabilities among both mothers and children.

The call was made during a virtual webinar held on Sunday, July 26, 2026, themed "Motherhood Without Barriers: Factors That Can Result in Disability for Both Mother and Child." Organized as part of Rotary International's July focus on Maternal and Child Health, the session brought together Rotaractors, healthcare enthusiasts, and the public from across the Commonwealth of Nations to discuss preventable causes of disabilities associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and early childhood.

Medical Factors in Disability Prevention

Delivering the keynote presentation, Dr. Clara Kolo-Manma, a medical professional from the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, highlighted several medical conditions that could lead to long-term disabilities if not properly managed. She identified obstetric complications, nutritional deficiencies, infections, and genetic factors as leading contributors to maternal and child disabilities.

Dr. Kolo-Manma stressed that many of these risks could be significantly reduced through timely medical intervention. She emphasized that early antenatal care and skilled birth attendance remain essential in reducing preventable health complications and improving overall health outcomes for families.

Driving Change through Global Collaboration

The presentation was followed by an interactive question-and-answer session, where participants shared personal experiences and professional perspectives on the realities of maternal healthcare across different Commonwealth countries. The session underscored the need for sustained public education and collaborative action to improve health standards.

Speaking after the webinar, the President of the Rotaract eClub of the Commonwealth, Rtr. Ashaolu Funmilola Praise, described the programme as a demonstration of the impact of collaboration in advancing humanitarian service.

This evening was about more than information, it was about connection. When two clubs come together across borders to serve a common purpose, that is the Rotaract spirit in its truest form. We are proud of what we built tonight, and we are grateful to our partners at RAeC Ibadan Pacesetter for making it possible.

— Rtr. Ashaolu Funmilola Praise, President, Rotaract eClub of the Commonwealth

President of the Rotaract eClub of Ibadan Pacesetter, Rtr. Ifedolapo Iyanda, added that the partnership reinforced the value of inter-club collaboration in addressing public health issues. She noted that such programmes expand the reach and impact of community service initiatives while strengthening relationships between clubs. The webinar concluded with a call for individuals and communities to prioritize preventive healthcare and seek timely medical support during pregnancy and childbirth.