Mauritius seeks to reduce maternal mortality rates

Mauritius has become the 46th African nation to join the Campaign on Accelerated Reduction of Maternal Mortality in Africa (CARMMA), which is an initiative of the African Union. CARMMA was initiated in May 2009 to trigger concerted and increased action towards improving maternal and new-born health, and survival across the continent. CARMMA was launched on Thursday at the Hilton Mauritius Resort and Spa in Flic en Flac during the opening ceremony of a conference being held in the context of the celebration of the CARMMA Week 2016 on the theme: “Celebrating progress in implementing CARMMA in the Island States of Africa:  No Woman Should Die while Giving Life”.

The Minister of Health, Anil Gayan, the Minister of Health and Social Security of Cape Verde, Dr Arlindo do Rosario, and other personalities were present at the event. In his keynote address, Minister Gayan stressed that motherhood must remain a positive and fulfilling experience for any woman. “No woman should suffer or should die while giving birth,” he affirmed. Sharing the Mauritian experiences with the participants, Mr Gayan underlined the quality of care and the resilience of the local health system. He recalled that the main features of the country maternal health care strategy which include a comprehensive antenatal health programme that is accessible to all women, well qualified health personnel, preventive medicine, promoting breastfeeding, and investments in vaccines. Mr Gayan pointed out that in 2015 and 2016, the Ministry introduced pneumococcal, rotavirus and human papillomavirus vaccinations respectively.