Q FM Africa's Modern Radio
Government has reiterated its commitment to tackling maternal and child health challenges not only for economic development, but also for sustainable benefits of the present and future generations.
In a speech read on her behalf by Director for Maternal and Child Health Dr Caroline Phiri at the launch of the Zambia Alliance for Maternal Child Health in Lusaka today, community development mother and child health Permanent Secretary Dr Elywn Chomba notes that the country has for a long time been grappling with issues of maternal, neonatal and child health.
Dr. Chomba notes that the alliance will contribute to efforts to strengthen accountability and accelerate the reduction of maternal, newborn and child health issues by bring together stakeholders to discuss issues related to maternal and child health issues.
She adds that to address issues of maternal and child health, there is need for concerted efforts and coordination from various stakeholders which include civil society organizations, parliamentarians, the media among others.
Dr. Chomba further states that government has put measures in place to reduce maternal and child health challenges pointing that one of the measures is the launch of the first new born health framework.
Likando Mufalali
And Parliamentary Committee on Health and Community Development Chairperson Likando Mufalali says the launch of the alliance has come at a right time when the country is striving hard to attain the Millennium Development Goals and the sustainable development goals on health.
And Alliance Representative Obrien Mashinkila says the civil society organizations and other stakeholders have realized that government alone cannot reduce maternal health as well as tackling child health issues, but needs support from all stakeholders.
He stresses that he is hopeful that the alliance will help reduce maternal and child deaths in the country.