MPs call for improvement of maternal, child health

Dodoma. Parliamentarians advocating safe motherhood have challenged the government to improve maternal health services from across the country.

They have also appealed to the government to give priority to the recruitment of health workers on maternal and child health in the envisaged public recruitment.

Moreover, they underscored the need for the establishment of mobile clinics in rural areas to serve the lives of hundreds and thousands of mothers and newborns dying in rural areas due to poor health services.

They were speaking during a special workshop organised by the White Ribbon Alliance (WRA).

Under the theme “Zero Tolerance to Maternal Deaths”, the one-day workshop targeted to sensitise lawmakers on the need to push the government to set aside adequate budget allocation for maternal and child health in the country.

White Ribbon Alliance country coordinator Rose Mlay said during the meeting that the country was facing big challenges in caring for mothers and children.

She noted that there was a shortage of delivery beds and experts in most health facilities from across the country.

She stressed the need for the government to ensure operating theatres had requisite equipment for mothers during and after delivery and resuscitation equipment for babies with asphyxua.

Speaking during the event, Ms Hawa Ghasia stressed the need for the government to keep on increasing the budgetary allocation for the health sector.

“Health workers, especially those dealing with maternal and child health in rural areas should be paid well to boost their morale,” she said.

Ms Angelina Mbula (Ilemela-CCM) spoke about timely budget allocation to promote safe motherhood at district level. She added that safe motherhood should be given priority to ensure a healthier nation.