First Lady calls for joint efforts to fight unnecessary maternal and infant mortality
The First Lady Getrude Mutharika says the battle against unnecessary deaths of women and children require collective efforts from all sectors of the society.
The first lady was speaking in Blantyre on Friday night during Chatinkha Maternity Care support fund raising dinner and dance where she was the guest of honour.
She said while government was doing everything possible, to fight unnecessary deaths in the country, it was important to note that Malawi can only win the battle if there is joint effort from all stakeholders.
“Whenever I think of Gogo Chatinkha Maternity Wing at the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital (QECH) what comes immediately to my mind are newborn babies and their mothers.
“The name Chatinkha symbolizes care and support and it is important that everything possible should be done to support the wing.
“The fundraising that is being done today is aimed at safeguarding lives of women and children,” said Dr Mutharika adding that there is need to mobilize more resources to support the wing.
The first lady further observed that Chatinkha Maternity Wing is overstretched due to high demand of services and has since pledged to support the wing at all costs.
She added; “Blessed is the hand that giveth and I urge the private sector to complement government efforts at QECH.
“I assure you that through beautify Malawi I will beautify the whole QECH including Chatinkha Ward.
Dr Chisale Mhango one of the founding members of Chatinkha ward said the place has contributed positively to many lives.
Dr Mhango said the history of Chatinkha Ward dates back to 20 years back when it was formed and registered as an organization on 23rd September, 1997.
“But beside Chatinkha starting way back it still lacks many materials to be used in assisting our mothers and children,” said Dr Mhango.
Some organizations that came to assist in the fundraising include Standard Bank, NBS Bank, Sunbird, Old Mutual, Escom Tnm, Illovo, National Bank and the media among others.
Other activities that took place included raffle draw and auctioning of items where the highest bidder bought a South African air line return ticket at K1.4Million.
Various stakeholders that included companies, business tycoons, government officials and health experts attended the event.
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