Selma Gumbo
Kazetjindire Angelika Muharukua Maternity Waiting Home in Opuwo earlier this week received a donation of kitchen supplies and furniture while the awaiting mothers received food parcels and dignity kits at an estimated cost of N$80 000 from the Japanese government through the United Nations Population Fund.
The UNFPA project, 'Leaving No One Behind', is implemented in eight regions and targets vulnerable women and girls, those with a disability, pregnant and lactating women in and out of school youth and other groups at risk of sexual and gender-based violence (GBV).
UNFP in Kunene region engages with men and boys in masculinity and equitable gender relations as well as addressing GBV and inequality, and awareness campaign on the right of girls and women, amongst other activities.
The Kazetjindire Angelika Muharukua Maternity Waiting Home in Opuwo came into operation in 2018 to ease the burden of accommodating expecting mothers, mostly those who come from rural areas and far from health centres. At present, there are close to 50 expecting mothers accommodated there.
Officiating the handover ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health and Social Services Ester Utjiua Muinjangue commended the utilisation of the facility and the efforts that men put in to support and allow their partners to seek placement in the shelter.
“What is encouraging about this maternity waiting home is the fact that more women are utilising this shelter without fear or favour. But equally interesting, men are allowing the wives and partners to be admitted to the shelter without any barriers, restrictions or set of conditions. This is surely fascinating. I want to urge male partners to continue appreciating and permitting their spouses to use the centre because it is about the wellbeing of the mothers and babies,” she said.
The Japanese government reaffirmed its support to the Namibian government and has made approximately N$38 million worth of grand assistance available.
“Our aim is clear that we would like to secure the pregnant women by delivering basic items and nutritional food so that we can strengthen the dignity and confident of pregnant women in Namibia,” said Hisao Nishimaka ambassador of Japan to Namibia.
Receiving the donation on behalf of other pregnant women, Karikuta van der Merwe expressed her gratitude to the Japanese government for the generosity they showed to them by donating the needed items.
“Overall, more women will be able to excess maternal health services because of this donation. It would not only help us but other women, and we promise to take care of donated items,” said Van der Merwe.
Muinjangue also told health workers to redouble their efforts in reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in Opuwo.
She has also urged expecting mothers to make use of the facility as well to take care of the facility to preserve it for the future generation.
* Selma Gumbo works for the Ministry of Information & Communication Technology in the Kunene region.