Neonatal deaths need addressing: PM’s wife

By LULU MARK
THE high neonatal deaths in Papua New Guinea is a critical issue that the country needs to address, Rachael Marape says.
Marape, who is the patron of the ‘Knit One, Warm One, Save One’ campaign of the ‘Saving Lives – Spreading Smiles’ (SLSS) programme spoke about the importance of everyone working together to improve the country’s statistics in neonatal deaths at the handover of 2,400 crocheted beanies to the Health Department yesterday.
She said the campaign, which was launched last year to address deaths caused by hypothermia (low body temperature), had been a journey of awareness to inform the people about the issue and there was a long way to go.
“The beanie keeps the infant warm and it prevents hypothermia,” Marape said.
“We have set to make 25,000 beanies and blankets in one year as part of our saving lives spreading smiles programme.”
She said there were volunteers throughout the country and by working with the Health Department and United Nations Children’s Fund (Unicef), assistance could be provided for premature babies who were at a higher risk of suffering from hypothermia.
“I encourage men and women to knit beanies and blankets as our simple and humble effort will contribute to saving lives and spreading smiles,” Marape said.
“It takes a village to raise a child and with us working together, ensures hope for the next generation.
She acknowledge the Seventh-Day Adventist mothers in Port Moresby, The National, Unicef staff and partners for their efforts in contributing beanies.