First Ladies should seek to end maternal deaths

 

In Summary

Dr Aggrey’s sentiment, expressed in the backdrop of his country’s (Ghana) and indeed, Africa’s highly paternalistic cultural outlook that confined the woman’s significance to the four walls of kitchen, remains relevant today.

One of Africa’s most notable educators, Dr James Emmanuel Kwegyir Aggrey (1975-1927) is most remembered for his assertion, “When you educate a man, you educate an individual, but when you educate a woman, you educate a community.”

Dr Aggrey’s sentiment, expressed in the backdrop of his country’s (Ghana) and indeed, Africa’s highly paternalistic cultural outlook that confined the woman’s significance to the four walls of kitchen, remains relevant today.

Western education, global exposure and sixty years of independence have not fully rid us of the wrong notions of male superiority, even when women everywhere are proving that given the opportunity, they can perform ably, even better, than many a man!

It is also an undeniable fact that when it comes to caring for family, the very foundation of any nation, the mother’s role is much more critical than that of the father.

It is in cognizance of this reality that we appreciate the role that First Ladies can play in introducing and sustaining interventions that are critical in the welfare of mothers and children.

It is of great significance that the African First Ladies summit, being held for the first time in Tanzania, is coinciding with the US President Barrack Obama’s visit to the country. The summit, whose theme is



“Investing in Women: Strengthening Africa”, will be graced by US First Lady Michelle Obama.

The influence of First Ladies cannot be overstated. While they don’t hold executive powers, their affinity to the men at the apex of State power gives them the allure which if well utilized, elicits immense support with which to reap sustainable results, benefit women, children and thereby strengthening society as a whole.

Sharing experiences

First Lady Salma Kikwete, who chairs the country’s Wanawake na Maendeleo (Wama), is certain to benefit from the summit by way of sharing experiences to boost her efforts to promote Tanzanian mothers’ and children’s health.

Our country is ranked high in maternal deaths, for statistics show that 454 women per 100,000 die while giving birth every year. This is unacceptable, for the global average is 287!

There is a need for concerted efforts to reverse this scourge. More political will is necessary to bring about positive change and the good news is, say experts, the figure can be reduced by well over 80 per cent. For this to happen, the following must be done:

• Increase the number of competent midwives in both urban and rural health facilities