Support for all mothers vital: Health Minister
Efficient support must be accorded to mothers before and after childbirth. The Minister for Health and Medical Services, Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete emphasised this at the closing of Breastfeeding Week at the Ba Mission Hospital. Dr Waqainabete said COVID-19 restrictions had influenced the decision for subdivisional offices to carry out their various Breastfeeding Week awareness.
“We thought this year we would give the opportunity to the subdivisions, including having the staff involved and working with the young mothers and going out to communities on the importance of not only breastfeeding, but also on the importance of the bond from pregnancy until they are formed,” he said.
He said mothers, who faced challenges during childbirth and breastfeeding due to anatomical deformities, needed to also be monitored.
“As we all understand, young mothers, they may need the time they deliver and have healthy children they can breastfeed, but also there are some mothers who unfortunately lose their children so we must continue to support them,” he said.
He said his visit was to also speak with hospital staff regarding Government’s vision for the health sector.
“I just wanted to talk to the staff, tell them what our focus is for the next financial year, but also they have invited me to come and close Breastfeeding Week,” he said. Dr Waqainabete said the COVID-19 period had placed much emphasis on the important role played by the health sector.
“It shows the honourable Prime Minister and the Minister of Economy have put health at the forefront of their thoughts and their planning,” he said.
As we all understand, young mothers, they may need the time they deliver and have healthy children they can breastfeed, but also there are some mothers who unfortunately lose their children so we must continue to support them.
Dr Ifereimi Waqainabete
Minister for Health and Medical Services