On April 9, a significant workshop was held in Mendefera, bringing together key stakeholders to address the urgent issue of maternal and child mortality in the South Region of Eritrea.
Mr. Habteab Tesfatsion, the Administrator of the South Region, called on government entities, particularly local administrations, to implement concrete measures aimed at preventing maternal and child mortality and eliminating harmful practices that pose risks to women’s health.
In his keynote address, Mr. Habteab emphasized the critical importance of collaboration across all government sectors. He identified underage marriage and female genital mutilation (FGM) as two of the most pressing contributors to complications during childbirth, which can lead to preventable deaths. He urged participants to adopt strict regulations to eliminate these detrimental traditions, underscoring their significant impact on maternal health.
Mr. Amanuel Mihreteab, the Director of the Health Branch for the region, conveyed that the overarching goal of this workshop is to reduce maternal and child mortality rates to zero. He highlighted alarming statistics indicating that many deaths stem from a lack of medical check-ups during pregnancy and after delivery, as well as from deliveries taking place outside of medical facilities. He noted the particular challenges faced by women in remote areas, where access to health facilities is severely limited, and recommended the establishment of waiting rooms for expectant mothers in all health centers to provide a safe place for them to await childbirth.
Furthermore, Mr. Asefaw Negasi, Head of the Mother and Child Safety Unit, shared encouraging news that the proportion of mothers delivering in health facilities has risen to 60 percent over the past year. He attributed this positive trend to ongoing public awareness campaigns and the recent construction of waiting rooms in select health centers, which have made a significant difference in accessibility.
Mr. Kalab Tesfasilassie, the Director General of the Department of Social Services in the region, reinforced the idea that the health of mothers and children is fundamental to the well-being of society as a whole. He reiterated the dangers posed by underage marriage and FGM, urging participants to consider effective, practical strategies to eliminate these harmful practices and ensure a healthier future for mothers and their children in Eritrea.