Somalia: Puntland moves to reduce maternal deaths

GAROWE, Somalia, July 7, 2015 (Garowe Online)- Puntland Government in northern Somalia has stepped up efforts to reduce maternal mortality rate, with Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA) Ambassador touring maternal and neonatal healthcare initiative, Garowe Online reports.

Women Development and Family Affairs Minister and CARMMA Ambassador, Anisa Abdulkadir Haji Mumin toured Garowe General Hospital ad Maternity and Children’s Hospital where accelerated reduction of maternal deaths campaign is underway.

Accompanied by Deputy Minister Amino Mohamed Abdullahi, Garowe Hospital Director-General Abdisamad Ahmed Jama and United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) officials, Mumin listened to briefings from practitioners overseeing the newly launched maternal healthcare service delivery.

Habibo Nur Ismael, the head of maternity and children’s hospital told the visiting officials that more women took advantage of the CARMMA than never before, with further improvement being made in accessibility to the maternity ward.

On her side, Women Development Minister said, their aim is to assess the achievements secured under mortality deaths reduction campaign and the needs lying ahead.

“We will respond to the needs very soon, and I urge UNFPA to finalize equipment necessary for maternal and child healthcare,” she told reporters in the midst of the tour.

Puntland previously selected UNFPA as key partner in the prevention and eradication of obstetric fistula.

In November 2014, UNFPA inaugurated maternal and neonatal health centre as part of campaign on accelerated reduction of maternal mortality in Africa (CARMMA).

GAROWE ONLINE