The Rotary Club of Maryland District 9110, Nigeria on Friday January 25, 2019 donated three preterm transport incubators and an ambulance to Ogun State Government for transportation of preterm babies from the peripheral part of the state to referral health facilities.
The donation which is a global grant project of the Rotary Club of Maryland, Nigeria and Rotary Club E Club One is supported by The Rotary Foundation of Rotary International.
Responding, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, said that Rotary Club has touched many lives with their philanthropic gestures. Ipaye said that health remained a priority in the state, which he said, was a significant mandate. “We are aware of the enormous lifesaving that this will do for us, and we promise to put it to judicious
use,” he said.
use,” he said.
The club president, Adekunle Adeniyi, while presenting the items in Abeokuta, Ogun state said the gesture was borne out of the philanthropic nature of the club.
In his remarks, Olufemi Akodu, the host partner primary contact for the project said the project was conceptualized in 2015-16 Rotary year with The Rotary Foundation approval in 2017-18 Rotary year and was implemented and completed during the 2018-19 Rotary year. He further said that the project, which cost N12million, was being handed over to “a deserving beneficiary”.
Responding, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Babatunde Ipaye, said that Rotary Club has touched many lives with their philanthropic gestures. Ipaye said that health remained a priority in the state, which he said, was a significant mandate. “We are aware of the enormous lifesaving that this will do for us, and we promise to put it to judicious
use,” he said.
The Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Kola Sodipo, was also on ground to witness the donation ceremony.
"Infant mortality remains a major health problem in many African communities. Almost two-thirds of the total neonatal deaths are within first week of life. Pre-maturity are one of the leading causes of neonatal mortality in our community.
"Of particular concern is premature infants delivered at peripheral health facilities such as Primary Health Centres who would have survived but for the lack of basic transport equipment to referral health facility such as teaching hospitals, and General Hospitals. These sick prems can be provided with better care and outcome if they are timely transported in stable condition", Akodu stated.