Building Healthier Communities: Rotary and Rotaract’s Commitment to Disease Prevention and Treatment
By Karl Angelo Robles | Posted on December 30, 2025
For Rotary and Rotaract clubs worldwide, December is dedicated as Disease Prevention and Treatment Month. This annual focus highlights one of The Rotary Foundation’s key Areas of Focus, underscoring the organization’s commitment to improving health outcomes globally.
RAC San Pablo City Rotaractors doing physical examination on Grade 1 students of San Joaquin Elementary School for the Kick-Off Project of Rotary Club of San Pablo
The work done during this month, and throughout the year, aims to combat major diseases and strengthen healthcare infrastructure in communities that need it most. Rotary believes that good health is a fundamental right and essential for community stability and progress.
𝗠edicine turnover activities of the Rotarct Club of Legazpi West
Disease prevention and treatment is a broad area that encompasses fighting major illnesses, improving access to healthcare, and promoting general wellness. Rotaract clubs, Rotary’s partners for younger leaders, bring energy, innovation, and passion to the cause.
The Rotaract Club of La Paz and the Rotary Club of La Paz had a medical mission at Brgy. Sinkway Covered Gym at Lapuz, Iloilo City which catered 350-400 benefeciaries last November 26, 2025.
Their projects often involve direct community engagement and awareness campaigns.
Project HINAW: Hygiene Integration and WASH – A water and sanitation initiative teaching proper hygiene and handwashing while distributing WASH kits to promote disease prevention and sanitation practices for kids in underserved communities, specifically Aeta Community at San Luis, Batangas by Rotaract Club of Batangas Metro Pioneers Reimagined.
——————————————————————————————————– Disease prevention is not isolated. Rotary’s work is often interconnected with its other areas of focus for maximum sustainable impact:
Water, Sanitation, & Hygiene (WASH): Providing clean water and sanitation infrastructure directly prevents numerous waterborne diseases.
Rotaract Club of San Antonio de Padua attended the “Together We Feed, Together We End Polio,” a Campaign highlighting Maternal and Child Health, and Disease Prevention & Treatment Last October 29, 2025, at Ospital ng Tondo, Manila.
Maternal & Child Health: Healthy mothers and children are less susceptible to illness, making immunization programs and prenatal care a vital part of disease prevention.
Project Lifeline: A Medical, Dental, and Optical Mission is a collaborative Medical, Dental, and Optical Mission led by the Rotaract Club of Angat, in partnership with multiple Rotary Clubs, the Angat Local Government Unit, Sangguniang Angat Elite Lions Maharlika Eagles Club, and other civic groups.
Economic & Community Development: Preventing debilitating diseases allows individuals to stay healthy, work, and contribute to their community’s economic well-being.
Project Veins of Hope: A Community Blood Donation Drive is a collaborative initiative led by the Rotaract Club of Angat, in partnership with the Bulacan Provincial Blood Center, Angat Municipal Health Office, and other local civic groups.
By dedicating December to this cause, Rotary and Rotaract encourage clubs and members to renew their focus on creating healthier, more vibrant, and resilient communities both at home and abroad.
Small Hands. Clean Habits. Big Hope of the Rotaract Club of Lingayen. Before the smiles, the meals, and the Christmas joy, our learners were taught something just as important—proper handwashing. During the Christmas Treat for Kids at Samson-Bengzon Elementary School in Lingayen, we reminded children that clean hands protect health, prevent illness, and help them stay in school and keep dreaming.
The fight against polio is proof that the collective action of Rotary and Rotaract members can achieve what was once considered impossible, establishing a model for fighting other major diseases worldwide.
The Rotaract Club of Metro San Pedro (RACMSP) conducted free and confidential HIV testing during HATAW: Para sa Pride, a Pride Month celebration held on June 22, 2025, in partnership with PayPal Pride Manila. This disease prevention and health awareness initiative was made possible through collaboration with health advocates SAIL PH (Saving and Improving Lives PH) and the San Pedro District Hospital – Treatment Hub, ensuring accessible, safe, and stigma-free HIV testing and counseling. Through this partnership, RACMSP aimed to promote early detection, support treatment linkage, and empower the LGBTQIA+ community to prioritize sexual health and overall well-being.
