From DAILY NEWS Reporter in Mwanza, 12th September 2011 @ 12:00, Total Comments: 0, Hits: 1169
MARRIED men have been challenged to use reproductive health services to boost productivity and reduce unwanted pregnancies.
The challenge was thrown here by the Nyamagana District Commissioner, Mr Saidi Amanzi, after launching a family planning services programme which would be delivered by the Marie Stopes Tanzania (MST) in collaboration with Ministry of Health and Social Welfare.
He said participation of men in reproductive health services was too low compared to women and therefore hamphers government efforts in fighting poverty.
"Let us remember that the population growth in Tanzania is too rapid compared with economic growth rate, hence we must have children who can get better education and participate fully in development activities," he said.
According to the DC, statistics show that the use of reproductive health services reduces maternal mortality by 35 per cent. He urged Mwanza residents to use the services more efficiently and reduce unnecessary death among women.
Tanzania demographic health survey of 2010 shows that about 454 out of 100,000 women die every year due to maternal complications. In Mwanza alone 171 women out of 100,000 dies every year due to the problems.
"The government understands the important role family planning plays in reducing maternal mortality and improving lives of mothers and children," he stated.
The MST Head of Projects, Dr Heidi Brown, commended the government's target to enable 40 per cent of women of reproductive age to use family planning.
She said MST had launched its mobile family planning service to support the government in its efforts to increase family planning services in those areas where women were struggling to access the service.
"This project will be implemented in Mwanza City. We have committed nurses, a low cost model of delivery, a strong partnership with the regional health officials and community leaders and we have women who are interested in the service," she added.
With support from SCALE project funds from Marie Stopes International, MST has provided two three-wheeled auto-rickshaws, which will deliver day outreach services up to 40 kilometres from Mwanza city centre.
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