The North West Department of Health MEC, Dr Magome Masike will tomorrow address midwives and urge them to assist the department in tackling the challenge of maternal mortality. Midwives will tomorrow converge in Mafikeng to celebrate the International Midwives’ Day.
The day will start with a five kilometre walk from Era pharmacy (corner Hatchard Street and Nelson Mandela Drive) to Mmabatho Palms at 9 am to mark International Day of the Midwife. Midwives and their supporters around the world are walking to raise awareness to tackle global inequalities in maternal and newborn health.
It is estimated that over 340 000 women die each year, with millions more suffering infection and disability, as a result of preventablematernal causes. The Department of Health is committed to reducing infant and maternal mortality as part of the Millennium Development Goals. Research indicates that 90 percent of maternal deaths occur particularly in developing countries.
It is clear that the world needs midwives more than ever. Access to essential midwifery services reduces maternal and infant mortality and reduces the cycle of poverty in developing countries. The Department of Health wants to demonstrate its commitment to tackling maternal and newborn mortality by walking shoulder to shoulder with midwives and mothers around the world.
The International Midwives’ Day will also be marked by the Midwives Congress in Durban tomorrow, 5 May 2011 where a global gathering of 3 000 midwives will share evidence of what works to reduce maternal mortality and improve the care and support available to mothers and newborns around the world.
The media is therefore invited to the provincial event in Mafikeng. A peaceful walk of midwives will start at Era pharmacy at 07h00 (corner Hatchard street and Nelson Mandela Drive) ans end at Mmabatho Palms hotel where the main event will be held.
MEC Masike has also planned a meeting with private and public sector doctors at Klerksdorp on Friday, 6 May 2011 where the media is also invited.
Enquiries:
Tebogo Lekgethwane
Cell: 082 929 9958
E-mail: tlekgethwane@nwpg.gov.za
