ZANZIBAR Minister for Health, Mr Nassor Ahmed Mazrui has reiterated the call to medical staff, especially midwives, nurses and doctors handling deliveries, to do all they can and apply their competence to mitigate maternal and infant mortality in the Isles.
Mr Mazrui echoed this with emphasis, when he received medical equipment for maternal services, donated by the Amref Health Africa Tanzania, at an event held at the Ministry, Mnazi Mmoja area in Stone Town.
Minister Mazrui revealed data of maternal and infant mortality, which show deaths were still high. He said the ratio for maternal deaths is 267/100,000.
“It is unfortunate that the number of mothers and infants dying is still high. We must work as a team to stop or mitigate this problem,” the minister said, as he commended Amref for the timely and important donation of equipment.
“The available statistics show deaths are still high; for example the ratio for maternal deaths is 267/100,000. Most deaths can be prevented,” he said, adding that most deaths are linked to lack of equipment, skilled personnel, and timely response and provision of care, particularly during emergencies.
He said that everyone who is responsible for providing the services should be careful and discard ‘business as usual’ attitude, to ensure that the ongoing efforts to battle maternal, infant mortality is successful.
In addition, he challenged health workers that in order to achieve the national and the global SDGs in reducing maternal and infant mortality, it was crucial for all practitioners to conduct self-assessment on their contribution in preventing the deaths.
The minister said the government appreciates the contribution from various stakeholders in improving health services in the islands of Zanzibar, saying the donation from Amref will greatly help to reduce maternal and child mortality.
Dr Serafina Mkuwa, the Programme Manager for Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn, Child and Adolescent Health (RMNCAH) at Amref Health Africa Tanzania, said that the donation will be sustainable.
He said that a total of 28 health care centres, with greatest need in the five administrative regions of Zanzibar are expected to benefit from the equipment.
The equipment received include delivery beds, caesarean, instrument trays, and BP machines among several others valued at cost of more than 50m/-.
