Thyolo needs K11 million for Child Health Days campaign

Thyolo District Health Office (DHO) says it needs K11 million to hold this year’s round one of Child Health Days (CHDs) campaign from November 25 to 29.

Thyolo district acting director of health and social services Arnold Jumbe said the activity, targeting children aged between six and 59 months, requires over K11 million to be implemented.

He has since asked well-wishers to assist the DHO in mobilising the resources.

“The district has been implementing this activity since early 2000s in a bid to reduce child mortality rate and morbidity.

“During the exercise, our office carries out interventions, including spreading messages on hygiene, sanitation, breastfeeding and nutrition, among others,” said Jumbe.

He said the activity will also provide vitamin A supplement, de-worming and mass screening.

Jumbe further said Thyolo DHO was doing everything to reduce maternal and neonatal deaths as evidenced by reduction of cases in the past few years.

“In 2016/17, my office registered 23 cases of maternal deaths, but we reduced them to 17 in 2017/18 and to 12 during 2018/19. Right now, we have registered three maternal deaths,” he said.

Nationwide, neonatal death is at 27 per  1 000, but for Thyolo it is 10 per 1 000.

Parent and Child Health Initiative (Pachi) health researcher Kondwani Mwandira has since commended Thyolo DHO for the reduction in neonatal and maternal deaths.

“My office looks forward to seeing the cases reduced to zero per year,” he said.