The Minister of Health, Dr Joe Paahla recently welcomed New Year’s babies at GJ Crookes Hospital under Umdoni Municipality.
Paahla was accompanied by KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube, KZN Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane and Umdoni’s acting mayor Mthandeni Mbutho.
GJ Crookes Hospital delivered a newborn boy at 2am on New Year’s day. The baby weighed 2.95 kg.
During the visit, the newborn and other children admitted at the hospital were showered with gifts which included toys, educational material and essentials for newborns.
Addressing the media, Paahla raised concerns on the increasing statistics of teenage pregnancies.
A plea has been made by Dube-Ncube for the nation to vigorously deal with the ‘pandemic’ of teenage pregnancy by implementing strategies to fight it.
In support of the call by Dube-Ncube, Simelane said there should be joint programmes by municipalities and the department to talk about the alleviation of unplanned pregnancies.
“Parents need to be open with children regarding sexual reproductive health or else seek assistance from health facilities to have these talks with their children, both boys and girls,” said Simelane.
Meanwhile, Mbutho expressed his gratitude for the initiative on behalf of Umdoni.
“One is pleased that we had an opportunity to collaborate with the department and the Office of the Premier to give back to the people of Umdoni,” said Mbutho.
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