by Vanessa Knight – EM TV, Port Moresby
The fight to reduce maternal mortality in the nation has been strengthened through a recent partnership between the Safe Motherhood Alliance of Papua New Guinea, and the PNG Government.
Prime Minister, Peter O’Neill, says important progress can be made through partnering with groups, to combat issues affecting the nation.
O’Neill says too many mothers and their babies are not surviving childbirth, while others who survive, suffer permanent damages to their health.
While conditions are improving, the Prime Minister says true progress can be made through partnering with groups, such as the Safe Motherhood Alliance.
Through the Minster for National Planning and Monitoring, the Government will continue to work with partners and the Department of Health, to enhance the welfare of mothers and their babies.
A forum facilitated yesterday at the State Function Room, by the Parliamentary Group on Population and Sustainable Development, outlined consenting issues relating to maternal health, along with efforts to improve public awareness in relation to reproductive health, particularly among young people.
Mr O’Neill said community outreach and education are essential for young people to be informed of their rights, acknowledge issues affecting their health, and at the same time help avoid unwanted pregnancies.
He said as the economy grows and more opportunities are created, young people in the nation need to be empowered on making decisions, regarding family planning and their future.
The forum received commendation from the Head of State, for presenting a range of views from academia, NGOs and the Government, and allowing the public to share their views in the People’s House.
Mr O’Neill commended the Minster for National Planning and Monitoring, Charles Abel, for his ongoing work with Safe Motherhood Alliance, and looks forward to further updates on the issue.
An initiative of the Papua New Guinea Parliamentary Group on Population and Sustainable Development, the forum was opened by West New Britain Governor Sasindra Muthuvel, and moderated by Dr. Edith Kariko, from the Papua New Guinea Women Doctor’s Association.
https://youtube.com/watch?v=3MfvY2AJmIQ%3Ffeature%3Doembed%26wmode%3Dopaque%26showinfo%3D0%26showsearch%3D0%26rel%3D0
