RMCH Mission and Strategy

The Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive Maternal and Child health (RMCH) is an international non-profit organization with 25 years of experience in maternal and child health, including family planning. Within the context of Rotary International, RMCH assists Rotary clubs and districts in the planning, implementation and co-funding of projects in MCH and organizes discussions on the implications of these activities for families, communities and countries. The central aim of this endeavor is to foster improvements in human well-being and dignity, women's empowerment and a sustainable balance between population and environment. These objectives are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) "reducing maternal and child mortality and ensuring universal access to sexual and reproductive health care services."

To achieve these goals, RMCH follows a strategy of piloting, evaluation, replication and scaling up. Small-scale pilot projects are planned and implemented in cooperation with an international and a host club, for example in one project hospital or community. Successful initiatives are further refined through lessons-learned and replicated in additional areas. In some cases, projects are then gradually scaled-up to expand the range of impact by serving an increasingly larger population. Such large-scale projects contribute to improvements in national health systems and can be organized through a coalition of multiple clubs and districts, forming a regional team. RMCH provides clubs and districts with assistance and council for their MCH projects at every step, including in the application for global grants and other sources of funding.

Photo: Mark Zdunnek, Altruist Films

The Role of Action Groups in Rotary

Rotarian Action Groups (formally "fellowships") serve as a resource to Rotary clubs and districts, assisting in the planning and implementation of international service projects in their area of expertise (see Rotary Code of Policies, 42.030.2.). While operating in accordance with Rotary policy, they are organized autonomously by Rotarians, Rotaractors and affiliates with experience in a specific field. Rotarian Action Groups provide clubs and districts with field-tested project concepts for replication, with consultation on project finance, with assistance on technical issues, and with access to a network of professionals and potential partners. Topics of emphasis range from health and sanitation, to education, sustainable development and peace advocacy. The Rotarian Action Group for Reproductive Maternal and Child health (RMCH) is dedicated to Rotary Area of Focus Maternal and Child Health (MCH), including family planning.