Blessing Nduku

The Rotary Club of Gweru has made a significant contribution to maternal and child healthcare in the city by donating a vital medical autoclave to Mkoba Polyclinic. This donation aims to improve safety during childbirth and protect mothers and newborns from infections.

The handover ceremony took place at Mkoba Polyclinic on Thursday, July 30, 2026, coinciding with Rotary International’s observance of Maternal and Child Health Month. This global initiative occurs every July to raise awareness and promote better healthcare services for women and children.

The event was attended by Rotary District Governor Sam Chikowore, who served as the guest of honor, along with health officials from the City of Gweru, representatives from the Ministry of Health and Child Care, clinic staff, and frontline healthcare workers.

The donated autoclave will enable healthcare workers to sterilize delivery packs and other medical equipment effectively, thereby reducing the risk of infections during childbirth and other procedures at the clinic.

Mkoba Polyclinic serves nearly 50,000 residents from Mkoba and surrounding communities, and its staff has expressed appreciation for this important addition to their healthcare services.

During the handover ceremony, Rotary Club of Gweru President Kudakwashe Tambaoga emphasized that maternal and child health remains one of the organization’s key focus areas.

“Maternal and child health is a cornerstone of our service,” Tambaoga stated. “The Rotary Club of Gweru will continue to work closely with the local authority and other key partners to ensure that no mother loses her life while bringing new life into the world in Gweru.”

He urged community leaders, government departments, and development partners to collaborate further to enhance healthcare services and create lasting solutions for the community.
District Governor Sam Chikowore highlighted the importance of partnerships in achieving meaningful development and commended the Rotary Club of Gweru for recognizing and addressing vital needs within the health sector.

“The impact of projects like this illustrates the significance of collaboration. When organizations, communities, and authorities unite, real change can be achieved,” he stated.

Representing the City of Gweru, the Director of Health Services expressed gratitude to Rotary for its ongoing support in improving healthcare delivery in the city.

“The donation will significantly enhance infection prevention and ensure safer healthcare services for mothers and children,” the official noted.

The Rotary Club of Gweru also acknowledged the crucial role played by the Dundee Rotary Club of Scotland, whose financial support and international partnership facilitated the purchase and delivery of the autoclave.

This partnership exemplifies the power of international cooperation in addressing community challenges and improving lives. Thanks to support from the Dundee Rotary Club of Scotland, Mkoba Polyclinic now has an improved capacity to provide safer maternal healthcare services to families in Gweru.

Tambaoga expressed his gratitude to the Dundee Rotary Club for believing in the project and contributing to efforts to reduce maternal deaths and improve healthcare standards.

“The support from the Dundee Rotary Club of Scotland shows that service has no borders. Their contribution will save lives and make a significant difference for many mothers and children in our community,” he said.

This donation adds to the growing list of community projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Gweru, which aims to strengthen public services and enhance the lives of people across the Midlands province. The organization plans to continue collaborating with partners to identify areas of need and support projects that provide long-term benefits to communities.