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Momodou
Denmark
11738 Posts |
 Posted - 28 Aug 2007 : 11:17:02
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World Population Day Celebrated
This year's World Population Day was celebrated in two rural towns. Bwiam in Foni and Kaur in Saloum. The theme of this year's celebration was "To promote men's participation in maternal health," with the slogan, "No woman should die giving birth." The program was conducted in the form of a procession on the 17 and 19 August at Bwiam and Kaur, respectively. Both processions were led by the Deputy Governors of both Western Region and Central River Region in their respectivejurisdictions. The Director of Population, Mr. Saikou Trawally,, Assistant Director Mr. Ebou Jallow, UNFPA Assistant Representative, Mr. Ruben Mboge, Director of Information, Mr. Alieu Sagnia, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Vice President's Office, Mr. Ansumana Krubally, Chiefs and Alkalolu of the area.
Addressing both events, Mr. Saikou Trawally said every year they made assessment to locate a place where they could educate, inform and englighten the masses about population growth. Mr. Trawally indicated that in the past years, one thousand and fifty (1050) women died in labour out of every hundred thousand births. He added that in recent years it has reduced to seven hundred and thirty deaths due to the participation of government and it's partners. He said they intend to reduce The Gambia's toll to that of Japan. Mr. Trawally called on men to participate fully in the maternal affairs of their wives and to see themselves as key players. A senior nursing officer, Mr. Famara Fatty,, described the maternal deaths in The Gambia as high compared to other countries. Mr. Fatty emphasised that men should see themselves as partners in maternal health. He said the burden on the women concerning maternal health is so high that many do lose their lives in the course of pregnancy. He said men can reduce the burden on the women by taking care of some family issues or responsibilities mostly done by women. He called on the men to start accompanying their women to health centers so as to see to their health status as well as their children. Mr. Fatty noted that men can play a great role in family health when their women are in pregnancy and breastfeeding.
A Drama group, initiated by Mr. Dodou Njie of "Fansung Jamanoo", made a role play on the importance of the education of the Girl Child showing her as equal to the male child. They also made a role play on the need for men's participation in health issues, especially malaria prevention and maternal health. The programme was coordinated by Mr. Ebrima Njie of the Department of Population.
Source: Foroyaa Newspaper Burning Issue
Issue No. 100/2007, 27 - 28 August 2007
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