National Safe motherhood week set for Mkushi

CENTRAL Province is scheduled to officially launch this year’s national Safe motherhood week to be held in Mkushi from May 13, to 17, 2019 and is expected to be graced by President Edgar Lungu.

Central Province principal nursing officer for maternal child health Chemmy Soka disclosed the development to Daily Nation in interview soon after a preparatory meeting held in Mkushi chaired by Mkushi District Commissioner Luka Mwamba. Ms Soka said President Edgar Lungu together with Ministry of health Chitalu Sampa were likely to officially launch this year’s national Safe motherhood under the theme: Universal access to sexual reproductive Health Services: Leaving no one behind. Ms. Soka said the province was honoured, Mkushi district in particular, to host the republican President for an event of such magnitude to show how the high number of maternal deaths had been reduced in the area. Ms. Soka said the event was important because activities such as family planning, antenatal and postnatal care would be conducted in connection with what will be going on during safe motherhood week. Among other activities expected to be conducted during the event include circumcision, HIV testing, ultra sound scanning and screening of cancer for both males and females. “This activity that we are going to host it is called safe motherhood health week. It is a national-wide activity to run in all provinces but the national celebration will be here in Mkushi. President Edgar Lungu and Health Minister Chitalu Sampa are likely to attend the same activity, she said. Ms Soka said sexual reproductive health services were not just for women but men as well as they were key decision makers in homes. She appealed to Mkushi residents to attend the event in numbers so as to access free medical services to help them change their lives for better.