According to the Rotary International website, “an estimated 5.9 children under the age of five die each year because of malnutrition, inadequate health care, and poor sanitation – all of which can be prevented.” Rotarians mobilize in a variety of ways to make mothers and children safer. In some communities, Rotarians assemble safe birth kits. In others, Rotarians train healthcare workers in safe delivery of babies. We also teach mothers how to breast feed & obtain immunization and regular checkups for their babies. Rotarians have used global grants to purchase neonatal lifesaving equipment in certain regions of the world.
The challenge of saving mothers & children impacts Canada and the United State too. In Canada, the Maternal Mortality Ratio (also known as “MMR,” the number of maternal deaths per 100,000 live births) increased from 9 to 10 between 2000 and 2017. In the United States, the MMR increased in that same period from 12 to an alarming 19. (World Health Organization Data, Maternal Mortality - Levels and trends 2000 to 2017 (srhr.org) There is much work to be done.
Our incoming District Governor Elect Caroline is interested in creating a District wide project to promote the safety of our mothers & children. What projects would you propose & support? How can District 7850 make a different in the lives of women & children in 22-23 in our communities in Quebec, Vermont & New Hampshire. How can we all unite in this common goal? Please provide your ideas & thoughts to DGE Caroline at cse@earlefreemanlaw.com. Together, let’s imagine a safer world for mothers & children.