Rotary Club of Central Tortola begins new
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola opened its 2026–2027 year with a meeting centred on maternal and child health, featuring a presentation by Dr. Sharlon Lewis on nutrition during the first 1,000 days of life. July is recognised across Rotary as Maternal and Child Health Month, and the session set a purposeful tone for community projects and partnerships to improve outcomes for mothers and children in the BVI (source: VINO).
The Rotary Club of Central Tortola began its 2026–2027 Rotary year with a programme focused on maternal and child health, aligning the club’s first meeting with Rotary’s global observance of July as Maternal and Child Health Month (VINO). In observance of the month, the club welcomed Dr.
Sharlon Lewis, who delivered a detailed presentation on nutrition during the critical first 1,000 days — from conception through a child’s second birthday. Lewis highlighted how proper nutrition in this period supports healthy physical growth, brain development, immunity and long-term wellbeing (VINO).
Lewis guided members through the three key stages of the first 1,000 days: pregnancy, infancy (0–6 months) and toddlerhood (6–24 months). She stressed the importance of specific nutrients during pregnancy, including folic acid, iron, iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, explaining how these support fetal development and reduce risks of complications.
For infants, she emphasised exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months and the gradual introduction of nutrient-dense complementary foods as children grow. Members were also advised on essential practices such as regular maternal and child health monitoring, proper hydration, and responsive feeding — recognising and responding to an infant’s hunger and satiety cues.
Lewis linked these practices to long-term benefits for growth, cognition and immunity, underscoring the role of early nutrition in lifelong health (VINO). True to Rotary’s spirit of fellowship and learning, the presentation sparked a lively, interactive discussion among Rotarians.
Attendees asked questions, shared personal and community experiences, and exchanged practical ideas to help families provide children with the healthiest possible start. Suggestions included partnering with local clinics to host nutrition workshops, creating breastfeeding-friendly spaces, and running awareness campaigns about the importance of antenatal care and early childhood monitoring.
As the club’s first meeting of the new Rotary year, members said the session set a meaningful tone for upcoming community work. Club leaders indicated the focus on maternal and child health will guide projects and outreach over the coming months under Rotary’s motto, Service Above Self.
Rotarians also noted opportunities to collaborate with local health providers and the Ministry of Health and Social Development to amplify impact across the Virgin Islands. The club urged continued dialogue and action among families, healthcare workers and community groups to ensure more children in the territory benefit from strong starts and brighter futures.
By tying local activity to Rotary’s worldwide Maternal and Child Health Month, Central Tortola’s Rotarians aim to raise awareness, promote education and support initiatives that improve health outcomes for mothers and children in the BVI (VINO).
Primary source: VINO