Celebration for decline in infant mortality rates
JOBURG - Even the youngest members of the country have the right to life and on this Human Rights Day, 21 March, South Africa can celebrate the progress that has been made to honour them.
South African Breastmilk Reserve has reported that according to Statistics South Africa, in 2009 there were more than 70 000 children who died before their fifth birthdays, but recent research has shown a drop in those statistics by almost half.
Stasha Jordan, breastfeeding activist and executive director of the South African Breastmilk Reserve explained that this decline in infant deaths showed that the numerous initiatives and interventions have been successful.
Through tireless research the organisation has made great discoveries that have contributed to them reaching its Millenium Development Goals.
Reducing the infant mortality rate is one of the more important goals of the reserve, which they have made promising strides towards based on the significant decline in the statistics.
South Africa’s Constitution dictates that every person has the right to life and furthermore the right to education, food and care.
With breastfeeding taking a backseat in the lives of some infants, these rights are still being compromised.
Last year the reserve received donated breastmilk from 1 093 donors at 44 milk banks, which was redirected to 1 689 babies at 70 hospitals across the country.
“Let this Human Rights Day be a reminder to protect the right to life of those who cannot speak for themselves and reduce their risk of mortality,” said Jordan. “Mothers who donate expressed breastmilk are the unsung heroes of this country who save many lives. Through their actions, they protect the human rights of the youngest members of society.”
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