By Jones Gadama
The Malawi government has reaffirmed its commitment to addressing the challenges in the maternal health sector, as the country commemorated World Health Day.
Minister of Health, Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda, emphasized the importance of maternal health in ensuring the wellbeing of families and communities.
Speaking at Bwaila Hospital in Lilongwe, Chiponda highlighted the need to strengthen health systems and implement health promotion initiatives, including awareness campaigns to empower mothers with knowledge on maternal health.
“We must work to ensure that every woman understands the importance of antenatal care and has access to quality maternal healthcare,” she said.
The minister outlined several initiatives implemented by the government to improve maternal and newborn health, including the Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood.
This initiative aims to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates through collaborative efforts with organizations like the World Health Organisation (WHO) and UNICEF.
These partnerships have led to the launch of initiatives to enhance the quality of care in health facilities, including training healthcare workers, improving infrastructure, and monitoring maternal and neonatal health outcomes.
Chiponda emphasized that these efforts are crucial in promoting better health outcomes and empowering communities.
WHO Country Representative, Dr. Neema Kimambo, echoed the minister’s sentiments, stressing the need for increased investment in maternal and newborn health. “We should make sure that we invest more in maternal and newborn health, and there is also a need for collaborative efforts from policymakers, healthcare professionals, community leaders, and partners to help reduce maternal deaths,” she said.
Kimambo assured that WHO will work closely with the government and other partners to accelerate the reduction of maternal and newborn deaths.
The Malawi Ministry of Health reported that 2,500 women died in 2020 due to pregnancy or childbirth, while an estimated 12,607 babies died within the first 28 days of life in 2023.
World Health Day is commemorated annually on April 7, and this year, the day was observed under the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”. The day also marks 77 years since the establishment of the World Health Organisation.
In her remarks, Chiponda emphasized that maternal health is the cornerstone of vibrant and thriving societies.
“The wellbeing of mothers ensures not only the survival of newborns but also the prosperity of entire families and communities,” she said.
The commemoration of World Health Day serves as a reminder of the need for sustained efforts to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes.
As Malawi continues to work towards reducing maternal and neonatal mortality rates, the government and its partners must prioritize investments in healthcare infrastructure, training of healthcare workers, and community awareness campaigns.
By doing so, Malawi can make significant strides in promoting better health outcomes and empowering communities, ultimately leading to a healthier and more prosperous future for its citizens.
