New maternity ward brings smile to mothers

 

Ndejuru interacts with a mother at Matyazo Health Centre in Huye yesterday.

A new maternity ward has been commissioned at Matyazo Health Centre in Huye district, bringing joy to hundreds of expectant mothers who use the facility.

The construction of the health facility, which cost more than Rwf75m, was funded by the Imbuto Foundation and the UN International Children’s ducation Fund (Unicef).

The support saw the maternity wing renovated and upgraded by adding three rooms for HIV/Aids counselling and testing, a delivery room and a common room.

It is expected that the renovated and upgraded maternity ward will offer services which respond to the needs of expectant mothers, including provision of antenatal services, safe delivery, as well neonatal services.

According to the health centre’s officials, an estimated 80 pregnant mothers report to the facility each month.

After the wards were commissioned, residents expressed gratitude and said they hope to get quality healthcare services.

Donatha Mutungirehe, a mother of two, who is among the first mothers to have delivered in the new upgraded maternity block, said she was delighted to deliver in a proper and clean environment.

“The place is very clean, suggesting it might also be very safe,” the 30-year-old Mutungirehe said.

“The place is very different from where I delivered last time,” she added.

Speaking at the function, Radegonde Ndejuru, the director-general of Imbuto Foundation, reaffirmed their commitment to contribute towards improvement of the health of mothers and children.

Improvement in health

“Imbuto Foundation will keep advocating for programmes to promote good health of families, especially the health of mothers and children,” Ndejuru pledged.

She said Rwanda has made significant achievements in improving the health of mothers and children, but added that there is still a long way to go to reach the desired level.

She told residents that their contribution is crucial and critical in improving family health.

Ndejuru urged parents to always seek medical assistance whenever needed to avoid putting their lives at risk.

Dr Uzziel Ndagijimana, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, commended Imbuto Foundation and Unicef for their efforts to support the development of a healthy society in the country.