By Judgement Katika – Contributor
Ministry of Health says there is need for collaborated efforts among different stakeholders in the sector if the country is to make strides in Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights attainment.
Deputy Minister of Health Enock Phale said this on Tuesday in Lilongwe during a meeting with IPAS Regional Director and team to discuss how best to make the Sexual and Reproductive Health Right(SRHR) attainable and other strategies to deliver SRHR services to the people.
Phale believes with concerted efforts between government and other stakeholders the country can ably address the maternal and neonatal deaths currently still high although the country has registered some positive strides.
“As a ministry we want to reduce deaths and there is need for collaborated efforts among all the stakeholders in the sector if we are to make headway in reducing these maternal and neonatal deaths in the country , so it is encouraging to see organisations like IPAS relentlessly pushing for mindset change among rural populace,” he said.
Meanwhile IPAS Southern Africa Regional Director Patronella Sebele while commending the deputy minister for his passion towards SRHR said her organisation is committed to supporting activities that would bring about mindset change.
“It is encouraging to have political will on issues of Sexual and Reproductive Health Right(SRHR) if countries are to improve on these issues political will is key, as an organization we will do what we can, to reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality in Malawi and in the region.” Sebele said.
The IPAS regional team will be in the country the whole of this week engaging different stakeholders including CSO partners working in Sexual and Reproductive Health sector.