Issued by Department of Health
14 August 2008
Health Minister, Dr Manto Tshabalala-Msimang held a meeting in Pretoria today to discuss areas of collaboration for further strengthening maternal, neonatal, child, youth and women's health services and nutrition in the country with representatives of invited United Nations agencies based in SA.
The UN agencies invited to the meeting include World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA and UNAIDS.
The Department of Health has prioritized maternal and child health as one of the main areas of intervention to enhance the capacity of South Africa to meet the Millennium Development Goals particularly with regard to reducing maternal, infant and child mortality.
The Department is finalizing a new five year Strategic Plan on Maternal and Child Health for the period 2008-2013 which will guide the country's interventions in this area. The UN agencies represented at the meeting expressed commitment to contribute to the finalization and implementation of the Strategic Plan.
At least 18 districts across the country have been identified as focus points because of high levels of deprivation and low maternal and child health outcomes. These districts include Ukhahlamba in Eastern Cape where an increased number of child deaths were reported earlier this year compared to the same period in 2007.
The Department will work with UN agencies to develop and implement workplans to improve maternal and child health in these districts.
UN agencies expressed commitment to support the implementation of these workplans, including resource mobilization and provision of technical support.
The meeting also commended the Minister on appointment and role as Goodwill Ambassador and Champion for Maternal and Child Health for Africa.
Contact
Sibani Mngadi
0827720161