17 May 2005
The Maternal Mortality Rate for South Africa has decreased from 150 in 1998 to 123 per 100 000 live births in 2002 while infant mortality came down from 45.4 in 1998 to 42.5 per 1000 live birth, the Minister of Health Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang announced in Geneva today.
Minister Tshabalala-Msimang was speaking in response to the official address made by the Director General of the World Health Organisation during the official opening of the World Health Assembly held in Geneva from 16-15 May.
This year's WHA is focusing on maternal and child health in line with the theme for the World Health Day this year which is: "Make every mother and child count." Minister Tshabalala-Msimang is leading the South African delegation to the WHA which includes Free State Health MEC Mr Sakhiwo Balot and KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Ms Peggy Nkonyeni and senior officials of the Department of Health
"We welcome the focus of the WHO in highlighting the health of women and children. It is very important that while we examine this issue, we do not only focus on infectious diseases but also focus on non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and asthma which have devastating consequences for health of women and children. We also have to look at issues of trauma and violence as well," said Minister Tshabalala-Msimang.
Several interventions have been made in improve access and quality of health care for women and children in South Africa including free health care for pregnant and lactating women and children under the age of six years. There is also confidential enquiry into maternal deaths that informs further policy intervention to ensure that pregnancy and child birth becomes a safe experience for women and their babies.
The number of deliveries attended too by a nurse or a doctor has increased from 84% in 1998 to 92% in 2003.
There is therefore a need to continue to strengthen the health system to ensure that quality health care is delivered to women and children and equity in the distribution of health resources particularly between developed and developing countries.