Govt. reiterates commitment in protecting maternal health

Government has reiterated its commitment to protecting women’s maternal health issues among Zambians.

Ministry of Labour and Social Security Services Acting Permanent Secretary Arthur Choobe noted that maternal health was a key issue that needed to be supported by every well-meaning citizen.

Mr. Choobe said women play an important role in national development hence the need to urgently put up measures that will help recognise them in society.

He said this in Lusaka today during a media briefing on maternity protection organised by the Ministry of Labour and Social Security in collaboration with International Labour Organisation (ILO) under the theme “toward ratification of the Maternity Protection Convention, 2000 number 183 in Zambia”.

Mr. Choobe further said government was convinced that once the convention 183 on maternity protection is ratified, the Zambian working women will be able to enjoy certain privileges at their work places.

He said the move will also protect mothers at work places as there will be no discrimination.

He said it will also ensure job security adding that payment of maternity benefits could also be applicable where possible.

And speaking on behalf of International Labour Organisation Director Martin Clemensson, Senior Programme Officer Belinda Chanda said the organisation recognises the media as a key partner in communication.

Ms. Chanda has since called on journalists to ensure that they understand the contents of the convention 183 for them to effectively report on it.

She noted that journalists should be able to know what maternal protection was about because they were key partners in communicating such issues across the country.