Service groups assemble 1000 birthing kits for women and babies

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Members of the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge have completed the assembly of 1000 birthing kits to be sent across the world to assist mothers and babies in a number of countries.

More than 60 volunteers representing 10 local groups – including Rotary Clubs, the University of the Third Age and Sunshiners – took the time to assemble the kits last Tuesday.

Birthing Kits Foundation Australia is a South Australian initiative inspired by Doctor Joy O’Hazy, who attended a United Nations Conference on Women’s Health in 1995 and saw the impact of a similar initiative being delivered in Nepal. 

In 1999 the first 100 kits were assembled and sent to Papua New Guinea.

By 2005 more than 120,000 kits had been distributed to many areas of the world, including countries in the Sub-Saharan region, the Pacific and Asia.

The one millionth kit was delivered in 2012, and by 2024 around 2.8 million had been sent out across the globe wherever a need was identified.

Murray Bridge Rotary Club President Roxanne Rowland said she was incredibly proud of the work done by her club and the many volunteers.

“This is the second time Murray Bridge Rotary Club have been involved in this project, and we know they are making an enormous difference to the women and babies who receive them," she said.

“Maternal and infant health is one of our seven focus areas, and we hope that some of the kits might stay  a bit closer to home in areas like Papua New Guinea, where there is an existing relationship with local midwives."

The components of the kits are donated, often by corporate sponsors.

Kits cost $5 each, so clubs allocate an amount to assemble using the monies raised through their various fundraising efforts.

• Get involved: Contact the Rotary Club of Murray Bridge on 0429 145 532 or visit murraybridgerotary.org.au.
• More information: www.bkfa.org.au.