The newly installed Rotary Club of Meru President Mary Asumpta Gacheri has pledged to prioritise maternal health and cancer awareness during her two year tenure.
She said the club will strengthen community outreach through awareness campaigns, medical screening camps and partnerships with health professionals.
Speaking during her installation ceremony, Gacheri said Rotary’s mission is to serve communities by addressing critical social needs including education, maternal health and disease prevention.
The president noted that Meru is among the regions experiencing a high burden of cancer cases, making awareness, early screening and preventive interventions a key priority for her administration.
We will create awareness through campaigns and organize medical camps, where people can be screened in partnership with health professionals, so that we can spread the message on the importance of early detection,” she said.
On maternal health, Gacheri said many women experience pregnancy, childbirth and post-delivery complications that can be prevented through early diagnosis and proper healthcare.
Gacheri said the club plans to roll out community awareness programmes and maternal health training sessions in collaboration with healthcare professionals to reach expectant mothers, particularly teenagers, who are more vulnerable.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to accept the responsibility of serving as President of the Rotary Club of Meru,” she said.
She added that the success of the club would largely depend on the collective efforts of members, partners and friends of Rotary, while inviting more people to join the organisation.
“To those considering joining us, I warmly invite you to become part of this incredible family. Together we can extend our impact to the communities,” she said.
Gacheri urged Rotarians to remain committed to creating lasting change, noting that the true measure of service lies in the lives transformed.
“Every mother we empower and every life we save becomes part of the legacy that we create,” she said.
The outgoing president, Verah Mwendwa called on organisations, professionals, county and national governments, as well as private sector players, to join hands in addressing maternal health challenges and the growing cancer burden in the region.
Guest speaker at the function Dr. Consenta Gatumi, a maternal health specialist, congratulated Gacheri for choosing maternal health and cancer as the focus of her presidency, describing the issues as timely and of global significance.
“I congratulate the president for answering the call of service above self and for choosing a cause that complements my work,” she said.
Dr. Gatumi pledged to support the Rotary Club’s initiatives by partnering in awareness campaigns, aimed at improving maternal health outcomes and promoting cancer prevention and early detection.
She noted that maternal health and cancer remain global public health priorities that require coordinated efforts from communities, health professionals and development partners to achieve lasting impact.
by Dickson Mwiti
