From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin
The Kwara State Government, has partnered with Rotary International, District 9126, on a community-based health initiative aimed at reducing child mortality and improving access to essential healthcare services across the state.
The initiative, known as the Rotary Health Communities Challenge, was flagged off by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Aminat Ahmed El-Imam, when she received members of Rotary International District 9126 in her office in Ilorin.
El-Imam commended Rotary for its intervention in the health sector, saying more private organisations and corporate bodies should support government efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
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She stressed the importance of sustained health awareness and education, noting that Kwara had peculiar challenges, including insecurity, which could affect healthcare access and community wellbeing.
The commissioner therefore urged Rotary to deploy its resources and expertise towards supporting initiatives that would contribute to creating safer environments for residents.
Giving an overview of the initiative on behalf of the Chairperson, Prof. Khadijat Musah, District Governor Rotarian Olaniyi Okin, and Secretary, Rotarian Buhari Oladimeji, said the programme would focus on integrated community case management of major childhood illnesses.
They identified malaria, pneumonia, diarrhoea and malnutrition as major health concerns responsible for preventable deaths among children.
They said the challenge was designed to translate Rotary’s health priorities into practical interventions through collaboration with government institutions, communities and frontline health workers.
Representing the District Governor, Rotarian Okin, said Rotary was not coming to establish a parallel healthcare programme, but to complement existing efforts of the Kwara State Ministry of Health and the Kwara State Primary Health Care Development Agency.
He said the partnership with the state government was critical to ensuring that the initiative aligned with existing policies, priorities and structures for primary healthcare, particularly at the grassroots.
He appreciated the state government for its continued partnership with Rotary, assuring that the organisation remained committed to supporting interventions aimed at improving healthcare outcomes for children and families.
The Zonal Coordinator, Rotarian Ayodeji Olagunju, said participating Rotary clubs would organise community campaigns and caregiver education in communities identified in consultation with the Ministry of Health and the Primary Health Care Development Agency.
He added that each participating club would appoint a focal person to liaise with the District Committee and relevant state health officials where necessary.
Olagunju further disclosed that Rotary would operate a coordinated digital advocacy calendar to amplify approved health messages and implement a District Child Health Action Initiative centred on four key areas: prevention, recognition, referral and protection.
He said the initiative was expected to strengthen community awareness, promote early recognition of childhood illnesses and improve timely referral and access to appropriate healthcare.
