5 November 2009
FIRST Lady, Thandiwe Banda has called for the redoubling of efforts to reduce maternal mortality in developing countries.
Mrs Banda has also said it is high time motherhood became a right for every woman regardless of their social category.
She said here today when she officiated at the launch of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction in Maternal Mortality in Swaziland at Mankayane Government Hospital.
Mrs Banda, who is in this mountainous kingdom at the invitation of the Swazi First Lady, Inkhosikati Make Lambikiza, said being pregnant was a tragic experience for many poor families in the developing world.
"Safe motherhood needs the concerted efforts of governments, non-governmental organisations and all cooperating partners in order to reduce high mortality rates in any country," she said.
Held under the theme "No woman should die while giving life", the CARMMS launch brought together various stakeholders including diplomats, government ministers, members of civil society, traditional leaders and United Nations agencies, World Health Organisation and the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Also present was Zambia's ambassador to Mozambique, Agness Ngoma, who is accredited to Swasiland.
Mrs Banda said it was the duty of every citizen to contribute to the reduction of maternal mortality rates.
"Although it is generally difficult for rural people to access timely healthcare, it is doubly difficult for women who are marginalized and voiceless," she said.
At the same function held at the Mankanyane sports ground, Inkhosikati Lambikiza said Swaziland would contribute using its rich culture to advocate healthy family values.
She condemned those who abused culture to champion methods that made child bearing a nightmare.
She thanked Mrs Banda for the visit which, particularly that the Zambian first lady was also an advocate of an accelerated reduction in maternal mortality.
Earlier, UNFPA representative Aisha Camara-Drammeh said Mrs Banda's presence was a manifestation of her commitment to ensuring that universal safe motherhood became a reality.
Ms Camara-Drammeh requested Mrs Banda to spearhead the formation of the Zambian version of the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa, which was an initiative of the African Union.
And Swaziland Health Minister Benedict Xaba paid tribute to President Rupiah Banda for helping that country implement health reforms which had made the procurement of drugs easier.
He said Swaziland would next week sign a memorandum of understanding with Zambia on cooperation in the health sector.
Mrs Banda arrived in Swaziland last night and was received at Matsapha International Airport by Zambian ambassador to Mozambique Mrs Ngoma, Swazi Sport, Culture and Youth Affairs Minister Hlobisile Ndhlovu and senior Health Ministry officials.
She is today expected to pay a courtesy call on the queen mother at Lobamba.
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