Nalumango Pledges to Establish Maternity Wings in Health Facilities Across the Country
Vice President Mutale Nalumango says the government is working to ensure that all health facilities in Zambia have access to maternity wings. Mrs Nalumango explains that this will help ensure that every mother is able to deliver in a safe environment under the supervision of trained personnel.
Nalumango was speaking at the handover of medical supplies and equipment to Singywagora hospital in Luangwa district on Wednesday. The visit comes ahead of today's by-election for the Luangwa District Council Chairperson.
Mrs. Nalumang praised the campaign process in Luangwa, stating that "this is the democracy we want" as all candidates and parties have carried out peaceful campaigns. The seat is being contested by UPND candidate Bernard Kanengo, Leadership Movement's Isias Talela, and Richard Kalasa.
Emphasising the work done by the UPND to improve medical facilities in Zambia, the Vice President acknowledged that "disparities" between rural and urban medical provision had troubled the country for many years. "That is why we have put in place a number of strategies aimed at these issues, and one of them is the recruitment and redeployment of skilled health workers".
The Government has repeatedly stated its determination to raise the standard of living in Zambia through the Constituency Development Fund. Mrs Nalumango has acknowledged the importance of health provision to both economic and national development but noted that full provision can only be achieved through partnerships.
The Vice President commended Susan Walkington of New Zealand who in partnership with Child Fund and Luangwa Child Agency Walkington family, Childfund and Luangwa Child Agency donated assorted headlights, surgical gloves, clamps and baby clothes for their contributions. Walkington has pledged to continue her support for the facility, in particular by equipping the wing with an incubator.
Without the necessary supplies at Luangwa, expectant mothers would have to travel 25 kilometres to the nearest maternity ward. The donation of equipment at Singywagora enables maternal healthcare for over 1000 mothers and children in the area.
Senior chief Mburuma of the Nsenga/Luzi people applauded the work done by Childfund, Luangwa District Child Development Agency, and the Walkington family in constructing the facility and running various educational programmes in the district. The chief also called on the Government to improve power supply and help resolve conflict between animals and humans which has been a persistent problem in the district.
The Government is aiming to have fulfilled its ambition for maternity wings across Zambia's hospitals by the end of next year. Hichilema has also pledged to make desks available in all schools so that not pupil is forced to sit on the floor during class.