Improve Neonatal Care in Ecuador

The Rotary Club of Alpharetta recently joined forces with its counterparts across the state to improve neonatal care in a south American country.

The clubs in Georgia came together to raise $13,375, which was applied towards a grant to purchase equipment for the Pedro Martinelli Navas maternity hospital in Quevedo, Ecuador.

Broken down, the clubs raised the following amounts:

• Alpharetta: $6,875
• Columbus: $2,000
• Johns Creek: $1,000
• Sandy Springs: $1,000
• North Fulton: $1,000
• Marietta Metro: $1,000
• Milton-Windward: $500

The total amount was matched by the Rotary District 6900 Designated Funds, which brought the total to $26,750.

In addition to that amount, the combined donations from Quevedo Rotary District 4400 and Rotary Foundation made up the rest of money needed to secure the $62,000 grant.

The equipment—includes incubators, neonatal fans, fetal monitors, infusion pumps, neonatal CPAPs and phototherapy lamps — which will be lifesaving additions to the maternity hospital. Additionally, several Rotarians have expressed interest in making a trip to Ecuador as part of the project implementation.

Rotary global grants support large international activities with sustainable, measurable outcomes in Rotary’s areas of focus. The goal of this international project is to reduce neonatal mortality levels in low-resource populations by helping to avoid complications like hypoxia and asphyxia.

The hope is that in Quevedo, where there are over 70 thousand inhabitants in the San Camilo parish alone, children and newborns needing this equipment will receive the care necessary to saving their lives.