Rotary’s health days: big in every sense of the word
Rotary Family Health Days contributes to building a legacy of social cohesion that ultimately will improve the quality of life for everyone.
This year’s Rotary Family Health Days campaign across South Africa will be big in every sense of the word.
It brings together many volunteers and healthcare workers across the private and public sector. It also is in a formal partnership with national government, which has included Rotary Family Health Days on its national calendar – a first.
Inspired by US Rotarian Marion Bunch, this will be the third Rotary Family Health Day campaign in South Africa and the biggest ever. From 7 to 9 October the organisers aim to provide free health screenings and immunisations to up to 75 000 people at an estimated 140 sites around the country.
Rotary Family Health Days 2015 is an example of public-private partnership at its best. Public-private partnerships are essential for solving the challenges faced by society. Neither government nor the private sector can tackle these on their own. The logistics for the sites will be provided by the National Department of Health with support from Rotary volunteers, while sponsorship is provided by the MTN South Africa Foundation.
Media support for awareness of the campaign is vital; this will come from the national public broadcaster, SABC along with Caxton and Independent Newspapers, publishers that own many local newspapers around the country.
Rotarians for Family Health and Aids Prevention (RFHA) is the convener and managing partner of the programme.
A project on this scale cannot happen without commitment and sacrifice from many individuals. “It is through the dedication and hard work of all partners, particularly the volunteer aspect of many Rotarians, that has made this campaign such a huge success,” Sue Paget, Southern Africa programme director of Rotary Family Health Days said.
The effects of the campaign will be felt long after the last volunteers go home. In bringing together so many South Africans from all walks of life to work as one, Rotary Family Health Days contributes to building a legacy of social cohesion that ultimately will improve the quality of life for everyone.
“It’s hard work,” said DG 9400 David Grant, “But it is absolutely worth it.”
The Rotary Theme for 2015 is ‘Be a gift to the world’. The Rotary Family Health Days initiative has brought this to life in the most meaningful way possible.
Related articles:
• Krugersdorp Rotary brings free health services to you
• Rotary conducts second rural health campaign
• 75 years of service above self
