KZN welcomes 260 New Year’s babies

THE province’s public health facilities delivered 260 babies on New Year’s Day this year.

That number is made up of 140 girls and 120 boys.

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According to the KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane, there were a total of 50 teenage mothers, with the youngest being a 14-year-old.

The province’s first New Year’s Day baby was born at King Dinuzulu Hospital to a 25-year-old mother while Itshelejuba Hospital, in Pongolo, has had six New Year’s Day babies, which is the highest in the province.

Simelane was joined by KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Minister of Health Joe Phaahla who visited GJ Crookes Hospital in Scottburgh where one baby was born on New Year’s Day.

Simelane said the department was concerned over the high rate of unplanned pregnancies in the province.

“We again urge parents and guardians to speak openly with their children about sexual reproductive health. School boys and girls should be encouraged to abstain from sex and concentrate on their studies for as long as possible.

“Those who are unable to abstain must practise dual protection, which entails the use of male and female condoms as well as long-acting reversible contraceptives. Our healthcare facilities offer various contraceptive methods, including oral contraceptives or tablets,” she said.

Over Christmas Day, the country welcomed 1 708 babies with 255 babies being born in KZN.

According to the Department of Health, there were more than 145 teenage mothers having babies on Christmas Day.

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