ABC – Rotarians Serving Humanity: Maternal and Child Heath

ABC aims to support some of the most vulnerable groups of people – mothers and children - and prevent transmission of HIV mother to child. 

Elimination of this form of transmission is an achievable goal with the right level of education, medical intervention and careful monitoring. This is still a sensitive issue with much stigma, misunderstanding and many cultural barriers to be addressed. Implementation and suitability of outcomes depends on working hand in hand with the local communities at grass root level - building trust, developing consistent & clear communication and sympathetic outreach.

This is where Rotarians, Inner Wheel and Rotaract can play their part. ABC has demonstrated how Rotarians and like-minded humanitarian organisations can take medical support and education to village health teams and poorly served communities in effective and efficient and sustainable ways. By combining their skills and resources Rotarians can make a real contribution to the lives of others. Because Rotary is found in 200 countries we are in the unique position of reaching people in many parts for the world.   

Rotarians have the opportunity to help eliminate HIV infection in babies and give them the opportunity of life. Rotarians have helped in the Polio eradication program – we can repeat our success here.  

 ‘Its time for everyone to be counted and reached. Never has it been more important to focus on location and population—to be at the right place for the right people.

‘We have a fragile five-year window to build on the rapid results that have been made. The next five years will determine the next 15. Working together, ending the AIDS epidemic’ Report UNAIDS

For more information and statistics see sections on UNAID and WHO.