First 1 000 days of life campaign
Quality care in the first 1000 lives of a child’s live is very important.
This is a stage from the moment where the child is conceived, mother goes through pregnancy, post natal stage, until the child reaches the age of two years.
Programme for Appropriate Technology in Health (PATH), Department of Health, and Emalahleni Municipality together with other stakeholders held a community Imbizo at Millennium Hall, Ackerville on June 03.
The mass community service event focused on the importance of the first 1 000 days of life and early childhood development of a child. The public was educated about the importance of quality health, physical and emotional care of the mother and child.
The event also allowed for the community to have a dialogue with Ms Mantwa Mokwena from the Department of Health.
Issues raised where that of ambulances not arriving in time during emergencies, shortage of medication and clinics being overpopulated whilst being short-staffed which leads to patients not receiving satisfactory attention.
Mokwena says the problem with mothers who lose their children when giving birth, is that they do not visit the clinic for regular check-ups as suggested by medical practitioners for a healthy pregnancy.
“As soon as you find out that you are pregnant you must visit the clinic so that should there be complications with your pregnancy nurses and doctors can be able to attend to it early” said Mokwena.
Mr Thomas Ngwenya, Executive Mayor of Nkangala District Municipality, said this event could not have come at a better time as the country celebrates youth month, recognising the importance of young people in society.
“The rights and welfare of a child must be taken into account as every child has the right to live in dignity. Parents, community organisations, government and the community are all essential bodies to contribute to a healthy and happy child,” said Ngwenya.
Warm words were received by Ms Thembi Radebe from the Mother to Mother organisation who advised mothers on how to be the best parent they can, by ensuring their children live free from hunger and keep them safe at all times.
