Sunday 5 August 2012

One Million Birthing Kits

How you feel about giving birth in a hut, on the dirt, miles from a hospital and perhaps with a half trained midwife?

Many women and babies suffer from neo-natal tetanus, and through no fault of their own. Naturally occurring soil bacteria can affect the mother and baby during the birthing process and be potentially fatal for both.

I've told you on numerous occasions about Birthing Kits, and these cheap and simple collection of just a few items can make an enormous difference to the cleanliness of a birthing site.


Last Saturday, both Zonta clubs in Canberra hosted our 8th annual public birthing kit packing day.  Once again, over 200 women donated their time; friends of the club, including Rotary, donated cash; the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints donated their hall, chux cloths, cake and hands to help successfully pack 3000 kits for the Democratic Republic of Congo.



Go and check out the photos on flickr.

What I really wanted to tell you is that in August, a Zonta club in Brisbane will pack the 1 millionth Birthing Kit!

Over the past 12 years,  all over Australia, small and large groups of Zonta clubs; nurses and midwives; uni and high school students have come together to hand pack these birthing kits and send them around the world.



In September, the Birthing Kit Foundation (Australia) will celebrate with events across the country.

Here in Canberra, there will be a breakfast on 11 September.


In Canberra we will be breakfasting with Dr Luc Mulimbalimba Masururu from the Democratic Republic of Congo and hear first hand about conditions for reproductive health in that country.

There are also celebration events in other States. Check your diary and see if you can make yourself available to celebrate this unique service project.

Metrine from Kenya with a kit

4 comments:

  1. What a simple idea for a great cause! We certainly do take a lot for granted here. Go Zonta Club!!!

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  2. How can we get more money for the materials to make more kits?!! That's the limiting factor. We've got lots of people who want to help put them together.

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  3. Hi Mary Jane - what do you know about the Foundation and their need to raise the purchase price so dramatically in recent years? several years ago their arrangement with AusAID finished and the price went up, but AusAID media people were hanging around our BK day - with banners and photographers - but they did not know if AusAID were funding!
    My club has limited kits at 3000 per year as they are getting expensive. Regular readers will know about our Pre Loved Fashion Sale which pays for this.
    Oh and kits are supported by Rotary - perhaps a couple of local clubs will be willing to help out with cash and packing?

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