The MEC for Health, Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo, will visit GJ Crookes Hospital to
congratulate New Year's babies and mothers as well as give them gifts on behalf of
the department.
“A new baby is like the beginning of all things - wonder, hope, a dream of possibilities,” says MEC Dhlomo. “To become a mother is one of life’s greatest blessings. It is a lifelong event that forever changes you. Becoming a mother changes your heart, your thoughts, and your actions.”
Over Christmas, 78 babies were born throughout the province with the first baby
girl being born at St Benedictine Hospital in Nongoma at midnight followed by a boy
three minutes later at the same hospital.
At one year, our babies are becoming little people. They are taking their first steps and speaking their first words. They are also, thankfully, healthy. In 2005 the world focused its attention on healthy mothers and children. The World Health Organisation (WHO) asserted that the well-being of societies is directly linked to the health and survival of mothers and children.
“Our message is; "Every mother and child counts". Their health is the very foundation of the well-being of our societies as a whole,” reiterates MEC Dhlomo the WHO message. “When a mother gets sick, that foundation is damaged. When children die, whole generations are weakened - the very generations whose strength we count on to overcome poverty and build a better future for all of us.”
Journalists are invited to accompany the MEC as he visits GJ Crookes Hospital as
follows:
Date: 1 January 2011
Time: 09h00
Venue: GJ Crookes Hospital,Hospital Road, Scottburgh
Enquiries:
Chris Maxon
Cell: 083 447 2869
MEC for Health to congratulate New Year's babies and moms
Province
