With The Eliminate Project, Kiwanis International and UNICEF have joined forces to eliminate maternal and neonatal tetanus. This deadly disease steals the lives of nearly 49,000 innocent babies and a significant number of women each year. To eliminate MNT from the Earth, more than 100 million mothers and their future babies must be immunized. This requires vaccines, syringes, safe storage, transportation, thousands of skilled staff and more. It will take $110 million – and the dedicated work of UNICEF and every member of the Kiwanis family.

Since the program began in 2010, Maternal and Neonatal Tetanus has been eliminated in 38 countries – 28 in Africa, three in the Middle East, and seven in Asia Pacific. That leaves 21 counties remaining to be fully served, including Haiti in North America.

Recently the Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown donated $1,000 each to the Kiwanis International Foundation and The Eliminate Project in honor of club members John Griffith and Calvin Whittington for their outstanding leadership and commitment to the children and youth of the community.

The Kiwanis Club of Shepherdstown meets at Christ Reformed Church on East German Street in Shepherdstown on the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. Others who are looking for ways to support the children and youth of the community, as well as the children of the world, while enjoying great fellowship, are encouraged to join. For more information, contact Adele Knott, club secretary, at 304-258-9135.