USAID mission Director Melisa Williams says the high mortality rate in developing countries is a source of great concern.
Ms. Williams notes that estimates show that over half a million women, mostly in developing countries die each year during pregnancy.
She said most of these deaths could be prevented if women have access to quality care during pregnancy and childbirth.
She commended Zambia for recording a decrease in maternal mortality since 2000 but however noted that the current ratio of 591 deaths per 100,000 live births is still high and more needs to be done.
ZANIS reports that Ms. Williams was speaking when USAID handed over tents and various medical and laboratory equipment worth K1.5 billion kwacha to the Ministry of Heath in Lusaka today.
She explained that the tents will provide a clean, safe and private environment for physical exams during antenatal care and Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV activities in Zambia‘s rural communities.
Ms. Williams stated that the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, commonly known as PEPFAR, provides financial and technical support to strengthen HIV prevention, care and treatment services throughout the country.
She added that the US government was pleased to partner with the Zambian people by continuing to support comprehensive, quality HIV prevention, care and treatment services, including interventions aimed at reducing maternal and child mortality.
And Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health Dr. Peter Mwaba said the donation has come at an appropriate time when his ministry was doing everything possible to improve on health service delivery as stated in the Fifth National Development Plan and the National Health strategic plan of the ministry.
Dr. Mwaba said the ministry is committed to providing Zambians with equity of access to affordable cost effective and quality health services as close to the family as possible.
He thanked PEPFAR through USAID and Zambia Prevention Care and Treatment Partnership (ZPCT) for the donation.
Dr. Mwaba noted that the equipment received will significantly improve on the much needed resource supplies, leading to improved health care.
He added that the ministry of health acknowledges the vital role the cooperating partners play in the development of the country.
The tents will be taken to five provinces identified by the Ministry of Health namely Copperbelt, Northern, North-Western, Luapula and Central provinces.
ZANIS
Too bad …people are dying too young because they don’t get treatment for most f the diseases that shouldn’t be fatal…
And we have to wait for USAID for us to hear this, does it mean we are content with what is obtaining. Yaayayaya, iliko baaaaad!!!!
Mellisa williams youll go far cause your sooo politically correct, but the truth is no amarican really gives a damn or “concern” over the many deaths. All you care bout is how much money you get to your organisation from your govt so the usaid vehicles can travel to kafue national park for a day trip lol!
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