July is recognized as Maternal and Child Health Month in the Rotary calendar, and the Rotary Club of Thika has embraced this theme with two impactful activities. These initiatives highlight our commitment to improving maternal and child health in our community. 

Supporting Thika Child Protection Unit 

On Friday, July 26th, the Rotary Club of Thika dedicated all proceeds from our installation event towards meeting the urgent needs of the Thika Child Protection Unit based at Thika Police Station. The items donated included: 

• Stationery 

• Diapers 

• Milk formula 

• Other essential supplies 

Our goal is to adopt the unit through quarterly donations and, in the long term, partner with them to enhance their child-friendly services. The donations were warmly received by the Officer Commanding Police Division (OCPD), Officer Commanding Station (OCS), and the officers in charge of the unit. We extend our special appreciation to all the Rotarians who made this activity possible through their generous donations. 

Kagunduini Maternity Hospital Visit 

On Saturday, July 27th, members of the Rotary Club of Thika visited the Kagunduini Maternity Hospital in Muranga County. This visit was part of our ongoing project to monitor and evaluate the facility, as well as to deliver donations. The Kagunduini Maternity Hospital project, completed through a global grant in partnership with RC Kasiwa-minami of Japan, has significantly improved the facility, elevating it from level 1 to level 3 with modern equipment. 

Since its inception, the project has enabled over 400 women to deliver safely at the facility. During our visit, club members donated diapers and sanitary towels to 100 women. The Kagunduini Health Center, located along Kabati-Kariti Road in Kandara Sub-County, serves approximately 13,736 people and includes a five-bed maternity wing officially opened in November 2021. 

Addressing Challenges and Future Plans 

Despite the progress, the Kagunduini Maternity Hospital faces several challenges: 

• High Workload with Low Delivery Rates: Many antenatal mothers prefer comprehensive facilities with a theater for deliveries. 

• Lack of Obstetric Scan: Clients are referred to other facilities for scans, leading to missed diagnoses. 

• Autoclave Machine Issues: The current small autoclave machine uses gas, which is problematic when funding is insufficient. 

To address these challenges, we recommend: 

• Acquiring an Ultrasound Machine: This will enable timely diagnosis and better management of maternal health. 

• Establishing a Theater: A theater will increase the number of deliveries at the facility, providing a comprehensive solution for mothers and community members. 

Looking Ahead 

The Rotary Club of Thika remains dedicated to improving maternal and child health in our community. These activities are just the beginning of our efforts to provide essential support and resources. We look forward to continued collaboration and support from our members and the community. 

For more information on how you can get involved, please contact the Rotary Club of Thika. Together, we can make a significant impact on maternal and child health in Thika and beyond. 

By highlighting these activities, the Rotary Club of Thika not only underscores its commitment to maternal and child health but also fosters community engagement and support.