ROTARY International has extended a helping hand to Arusha based St Elizabeth’s hospital neonatal care unit.
The humanitarian service organisation’s District Governor for Tanzania and Uganda, Peace Taremwa, said here recently that the Rotarians will support the health facility’s quest of reducing neonatal deaths.
Mr Taremwa said they were working on a request from the Arusha Archdiocese’s run medical facility of revamping its neonatal care unit.
“Our focus is helping this facility rescue the lives of our newborns, valuing the importance of life,” said Mr Taremwa when he toured the hospital midweek.
Mr Taremwa said Rotarians will support the medical facility and spearhead its drive in rescuing the dear lives of the newborns.
“They have told us what they need and we will stand by them,” he assured.
According to Mr Taremwa, Rotarians spend around $300 million on health services, with neonatal care being the chief focus.
On her part, Rotary Country Chair-Tanzania, Maryanne Mugo said the humanitarian agency will give St Elizabeth hospital a helping hand in providing them with life-saving equipment for the newborns.
“We will also make a follow up on why one of the equipment from Germany isn’t working,”
In his rejounder, the Medical Doctor in Charge Dr Rohella Kaserian said the facility was grappling with a dire shortage of equipment at its neonatal care unit, compelling them to refer newborns to other hospitals such as the Arusha Lutheran Medical Centre and Mt Meru Hospital.
“We care for between five and 10 newborns here on a monthly basis, we would do better if we get the best equipment,” he said.
The Rotary clubs of Tanzania and Uganda are made up of over 84 clubs with over 1500 members from Tanzania and part of Uganda hence the name Rotaract District 9214.
The membership of clubs is rather diverse with an almost equal ratio of male to female, and having professionals ranging from teachers, engineers, medical workers, IT specialists, entrepreneurs among others.
