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22 March 2005

Mafikeng - The Department of Health in North West will be celebrating April as the national Health Focus Month with special emphasis on mothers and children's health. Build to the activities will be the celebration of the World Health Day under the slogan "Make every mother and child count". This slogan plays a significant role in the World Health Organization's campaigns to reduce the numbers of women who die during childbirth, and also to lessen the numbers of children mortality. It also reflects the reality that the health of women and children should be of grave concern to all societies.

"Women should have skilled birth attendants. It has come to the department's attention that the underlying reason for women dying in childbirth is their tendency not to consistently utilise free and accessible resources provided by the department. With this slogan we are also encouraging our mothers to take charge of their lives and their babies'. Their deaths are preventable, but it takes local knowledge, strength and partnership to ensure that women and children's lives are saved," said MEC for Health, Mandlenkosi Mayisela.

During this Health Month, the department will be engaged in a number of activities, which will include the commemoration of World Health Day, the launching of governance structures at all districts, the continuation of modelling polio drops and immunisation for children, the pronouncement of the departmental Budget Vote, the opening of various health facilities which will incorporate the opening of the much awaited state-of-the-art hospital in Swartruggens, Imbizo activities, and awarding health workers whom have shown total commitment and determination in their line of duty, awards for excellent delivery of health care services.

"World Health Day will be celebrated on 7 April in Gelukspan Hospital in the Central region. There are quite a number of issues that needs to be clarified about the future of that community hospital, so we deemed it fit to address those issues then, and celebrate the day there," said MEC Mayisela.

A media launch to outline the programme and give first hand briefing to the media is organised for the 31st March 2004 at Omaramba Resort, Rustenburg, starting at 18h00 sharp. A media invite to the launch and other forth-coming activities is hereby extended.

Enquiries contact:
Ms Bonolo Selloane
Cell: 083 504 3874

Barba Gaoganediwe
Departmental Spokesperson
Cell: 082 929 9958
Tel: (018) 387 5830
Email: kgaoganediwe@nwpg.gov.za

Issued by: Department of Health, North West Provincial Government
22 March 2005