JB launches Presidential Initiative on safemotherhood
Malawi President Joyce Banda, who rose to prominence as a relentless women’s rights advocate, has set up a Presidential Initative for maternal health and safemotherhood.
Her Excellency Banda, who was dethroned as Malawi’s special ambassador on safemotherhood by late president Bingu wa Mutharika replacing her with his wife Callista Mutharika, made the announcement of the initiative in Blantyre on Wednesday.
“Today, I have launched Presidential Initiative on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood,” said President Banda when she addressed traditional chiefs at Mount Soche Hotel.
In Malawi, 16 women die every day giving birth or during pregnancy.
Banda said she will rally behind traditional leaders to sensitive their subject in the villages on safemotherhood.
“Chiefs are very instrumental in this aspect. You are able to tell your subjects that please go to deliver at the hospital,” she said.
The President said a Chiefs committee on Maternal Health and Safe Motherhood will be established.
“There shall be workshops in the villages. I am very passionate about this subject,” she stressed.
Adding: “As a mother, I will not allow mothers to die as they deliver. “
The President said, Maternal deaths are preventable, and access to health care is at her heart of her leadership.
Banda remains a role model to many women in Malawi for her gender fight in a male-dominated society.
Acting chief Gomani Mrs. Rosemary Malinki was booed by the members of the public when she was making her remarks.
She however hailed President Banda for the Safemotherhood initiative.
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