Doctor: Too many mothers, babies dying

A DOCTOR says East New Britain is one of the provinces with the highest maternal and child mortality rates.
Dr Tanmay Bagade, of St Mary’s Vunapope Hospital, said this had to be reduced through antenatal care.
Although he was unable to provide statistics, he said women’s poor health associated with high blood pressure, anaemia and other­s could be detected through antenatal clinic.
Bagade said that it was important for pregnant women in the province to consider antenatal care during pregnancy to reduce maternal and child mortality.
“A strong woman means a strong nation, a healthy woman means a strong family,” he said.
He said women were the backbone of their families and it was important that maternal and child morta­lity in the province was
reduced.“If women’s health is neglected than health will remain a big problem throughout the nation,” he said.
He said education was vital in improving the health of mothers in the country.
He said Vunapope Hospital did the most number of deliveries in the province and was aiming at providing educational approaches to women to educate them on how best they could look after themselves during pregnancy.
He urged educated women to empower women in their wards to take positive approaches towards their health.