In recognition of World Kidney Day, the Rotary Club of Antigua (RCA) presented a generous donation to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre (MSJMC) on Thursday.
The presentation ceremony took place at Rotary House in the presence of Rotarians, representatives from MSJMC, Antigua & Barbuda Renal Society, Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB), along with Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Trade, Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool and other social and corporate partners.
Their gift toward the hospital’s Dialysis Unit will help to fund a Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) project which includes:
Equipment: Two (2) dialysis machines along with an all-in-one water treatment delivery system which has the capability to convert any of our dialysis machines into a mobile unit.
Screening: Targeting people at high risk – those with diabetes, hypertension, a first-degree relative with kidney failure, or persons fifty (50) years or older.
Education: Educational efforts will focus on increasing awareness (through the use of PSAs, media interviews, social media etc.) of good kidney health as well as more targeted efforts towards individuals at risk of chronic kidney disease or progression to kidney failure.
The overall estimated cost of the CKD Project is $212,000. The RCA, with support from partners (Eastern Caribbean Amalgamated Bank (ECAB) and Antigua & Barbuda High Commission UK) has so far invested over $145,000 in the project. A donation from the Renal Society of $67,000 financed the remainder of the project.
“We are incredibly grateful for the Rotary Club of Antigua and Renal Society’s (along with all the other partners) willingness to step up during this critical time. I won’t mince words, this donation will save lives,” said Ian Thomas MD, MSJMC Nephrologist.
Dr. Thomas added: “I’m so proud of the work our dialysis team is doing, managing our increasing patient load. There are always patients waiting to start dialysis – and what we all love about this project is that it not only focuses on the end – treatment – but a significant area of focus is prevention through screening and education. Rotary’s commitment to supporting the health of our community is extremely important and their partnership with our hospital has proven to be very beneficial.”
During the presentation ceremony, Permanent Secretary within the Ministry of Trade, Foreign Affairs and Immigration, Ambassador Anthony Liverpool brought greetings on behalf of the High Commissioner to London, Ambassador Karen -Mae Hill.
“We really want to recognize the work of the Renal Society over the years in bringing awareness to Chronic Kidney Disease. The High Commission of London is pleased to be associated with the purchase of equipment to support the dialysis needs of Antigua & Barbuda,” Ambassador Liverpool expressed.
Michael Spencer, General Manager of ECAB, another corporate partner in the project, urged persons to take responsibility for their health, bearing in mind the strain that the country’s health system is currently experiencing especially with Chronic Kidney Disease.
“On our own, even with a strong desire to help, we are unable to solve big challenges – And that’s where Rotary comes in,” said Kevin Silston, RCA President.
“When you give to the Rotary Club of Antigua, it goes towards addressing critical needs in the society such as this and we’re able to accomplish much more than we could otherwise dream. Our Club is committed to this project for the long haul. Chronic kidney disease will continue to be the health-focus of our Club as well as the ongoing needs of the dialysis unit. When we support the hospital, we’re supporting the community – ultimately, that’s the goal of Rotary in any project as we seek to live up to our Motto Service Above Self.”
If you or the organization you represent are interested in making a donation to Mount St. John’s Medical Centre please send an email to [email protected].
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