On October 28, 2024, seven Rotary and Rotaract clubs—RC Mutundwe, RC Bwebajja, RC Garuga, RC Bwebajja Mid-City (in formation), RAC Mutundwe, RAC Bwebajja, and RAC Garuga—joined forces with Bunamwaya Health Centre II in a powerful initiative to fight polio. Under the theme “Let’s Protect Future Generations—Together, We Can End Polio,” this project aimed to enhance the well-being of children in our communities through immunization and essential health services.
While polio immunization remained the core focus, a needs assessment revealed an urgent challenge: many new mothers struggled with low breast milk production due to poor nutrition and limited resources. Recognizing this, the project expanded its scope to provide comprehensive maternal and child health support.
The initiative offered a range of critical services, including:
- Polio Immunization – Ensuring children receive life-saving vaccines.
- Antenatal Care – Supporting expectant mothers with essential check-ups.
- HIV Testing & Counseling – Promoting early detection and care.
- De-worming – Improving children’s health and nutrition.
- Distributing mama kits, diapers, and other essential supplies.
Through this collaborative effort, nearly 123 children and mothers were impacted, receiving not just medical care but also vital education on the importance of routine immunization and maternal health. The engagement of community leaders and the local health facility emphasized the shared responsibility of creating a healthier future for children.
Beyond its immediate impact, this project highlighted the power of partnerships in achieving sustainable change. Rotarians and Rotaractors alike witnessed firsthand how working together amplifies impact, setting a precedent for future collaborations. The children immunized that day now have a better chance at a polio-free life, a testament to what can be accomplished when we unite for a common cause.
Together, we are not just ending polio—we are securing a healthier future for generations to come.
Rtr. Miriam Namatovu
President – Rotaract Club of Garuga