Lisbon — A cycle of programmes of training of midwives is to start this year in Angola, to help reduce maternal and child death in the country.

This was announced Thursday in Lisbon, Portugal, by Angolan Health minister, José Van-Dúnem, while speaking to local journalists about the purposes of his visit to the European country.

The minister added that midwives are being trained in the country to cover all regions of the country, namely Huíla, Huambo, Benguela, Malanje, Cabinda and Luanda) and reinforce the staff of the capital's Lucrecia Paim Maternity Hospital.

According to the official, reducing maternal and child death requires more than just training the professionals.

He said it involves various approaches like the updating of programmes of vaccination which is helping reduce death caused by measles, tetanus, poliomyelitis, diarrhea, meningitis and TB risks.

The official stated that the Executive is training midwives who will expand their activity around the country and thus improve the indicators and the satisfaction of the populations and make delivery a happy event, rather than a risk.

José Van-Dúnem said the death rate in the country can be further lowered, mentioning that malaria is the main concern, for which there are effective drugs bringing good results.