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By DPPS
Kenya: Deputy President William Ruto’s wife, Rachel, has urged the Government and the private sector to improve the wellbeing of mothers and new-borns.
Mrs Ruto expressed concern that Kenya is one of the countries that scores poorly in taking care of the medical needs of mothers and new born-babies. She said the high mortality rate in Africa was worrying, adding the situation should be addressed with a sense of urgency.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, where she is attending the 3rd global conference on women delivery, Mrs Ruto urged players in national and continental health campaigns to focus more on tackling the known causes of maternal and child mortality.
“In mounting campaigns, more emphasis should be put on those measures that will address the known causes of maternal and child mortality,” she said. The conference, she said, would give an opportunity to leaders and organisations to explore ways of solving challenges facing women across the globe. “The conference gives us the opportunity to interact, share notes and build consensus on ways of improving the quality of life for women,” she said.
She expressed concern that many women die each year from pregnancy-related complications due to Female Genital Mutilation (FGM), which complicates the birth process.
“This is a sad state of affairs that requires urgent intervention by Government and stakeholders if the lives of mothers and children are to be protected,” said Mrs Ruto.
She expressed concerns that FGM was still prevalent in various parts of the country despite the Children’s Act, which prohibits it.
She said it is only through investment in education irrespective of gender that problems facing girl child education can be addressed.
Earlier while opening the conference, Malaysia Prime Minister Najib Razak said fighting the causes of new-born deaths, gender inequality and malnutrition were key in guarding against maternal and child mortality.
Among those who addressed the conference were Dr Mushimbi Kanyaro, the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Global Fund for Women and Barbara Bush, CEO and co-founder of the Global Health Corps.
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